Guess who got green fingers finally?!
Funny story, I went on a date once, maybe back in 2016 and they must have sensed how stressed and ‘in my own head’ I was all the time because she recommended gardening to me as a hobby. After recently learning about the benefits of the outdoors on mental health, I finally got myself into it. (I had ample space in my family home but there’s something about gardening in your own space which makes it truly feel like yours- I can’t explain it.) Anyway, thus begins my journey. I’m far from becoming the next Alan Titchmarsh but I do intent to spend more time appreciating the greenery in my life! Gardening has been found to offer a wide range of healing effects on individuals, both mentally and physically. Let’s go through a few:
- Stress Reduction: Spending time in the garden and tending to plants has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a sense of relaxation and calm. When your body is so concentrated on the task at hand, it removes the stress of all those things that aren’t present in that moment, which I think is a benefit in itself! –>
- Mindfulness and Presence: Gardening encourages individuals to be present in the moment, fostering mindfulness and helping them disconnect from everyday worries.
- Mood Enhancement: Engaging in gardening activities has been linked to improved mood and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Physical Exercise: Gardening involves various physical tasks such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering, which can provide a moderate form of exercise and promote overall fitness.
5. Connection with Nature: Being surrounded by nature and engaging in gardening can lead to a deeper connection with the natural world, promoting a sense of unity and well-being. There were times I preferred to not use gloves and feel the soil in my hands. Most of the time, I prefer walking barefoot on the grass. There’s something about this grounding technique which I love.
6. Creativity and Expression: Designing and planning a garden allows for creative expression and experimentation with different plant combinations and layouts. I know I’m gonna have a lot of fun with this. I’ve already had to change things around a couple of times based on the pesky neighbourhood cats that come and take a dump in my wildflower pots 🙁 – who’s got a humane way of deterring this- let me know please?!
7. Sense of Accomplishment: Watching plants grow and thrive due to your efforts can give a strong sense of achievement and satisfaction. My first seeds sprouted the other day and I was so happy!! (Is this what parenting feels like?!)
8. Emotional Outlet: Gardening can provide an outlet for emotional expression and release, allowing individuals to channel their feelings into nurturing and caring for plants. I see my ageing mother do this often and she was actually vulnerable enough (rare occassion) to say “I really like sitting out here, it makes me feel at peace just sitting and looking at my plants” – and that’s really saying something!
9. Learning and Skill Building: Gardening encourages continuous learning about plant care, soil health, and ecosystem dynamics, promoting cognitive engagement and skill development. I can’t say I’m at this level of interest yet but I’m sure with the right rewards of what I’ve planted so far, it’s not long before I fall down a Google rabbit hole!
10. Connection with Seasons: Gardening allows individuals to experience the changing seasons and reconnect with natural rhythms, which can have a grounding and soothing effect.
11. Social Interaction: Community gardens and shared gardening spaces provide opportunities for social interaction and a sense of belonging.
12. Cognitive Benefits: Engaging in gardening tasks stimulates the brain, promoting problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and attention to detail.
13. Aromatherapy and Sensory Stimulation: The scents, textures, and colours of plants engage the senses and provide a form of aromatherapy and sensory therapy. Not great for hayfever sufferers like myself I’m sure so I’ll be treating this one with caution.
14. Resilience and Patience: Gardening teaches patience as individuals wait for plants to grow, fostering a sense of resilience and an understanding of natural processes. I planted some seeds albeit not in season (I was hoping to catch the end of the season, even though it’s coming up to harvest time, but I thought “what the heck” and planted my first coriander and wildflower seeds, which have already sprouted!)
Planting seeds isn’t just about growing flowers; it’s about cultivating hope, patience, and the belief in tomorrow. 🌱✨ Just as we nurture these tiny seeds with care, we nurture our dreams with determination. Every sprout is a reminder that growth takes time, but the results are always worth it. 🌼🌱
15. Environmental Stewardship: Caring for plants and contributing positively to the environment through gardening can enhance a sense of purpose and responsibility.
16. Restorative Environment: Gardens provide a restorative environment where individuals can escape urban settings and experience a sense of tranquility and harmony.
Overall, gardening offers a holistic approach to healing, addressing both physical and psychological well-being through the act of nurturing, connecting with nature, and reaping the rewards of a living, growing space.
It definitely feels like a mind, body, soul alignment – which is what we’re all about here at Muted Healing right?! I’m liking how this new hobby has started; long may it continue!