Embracing Gardening for a Paced Life
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's no secret that stress and anxiety levels are on the rise. But what if there was a simple, affordable, and enjoyable solution to combat these issues? Enter gardening, a practice that not only nurtures plants but also cultivates mental well-being.
Gardening has been scientifically proven to offer numerous benefits for mental health and stress levels. A meta-analysis by Soga, Gaston, and Yamaura (2017) supports these claims, demonstrating the positive impact gardening can have on our psychological well-being[1].
## Reduced Stress and Anxiety
One of the most notable benefits of gardening is its ability to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. The tactile experience of working with the earth and the repetitive tasks involved in gardening help calm the mind and lower cortisol levels[2][3].
## Improved Mood and Cognitive Function
Engaging in gardening activities can enhance mood and improve cognitive function. The process of nurturing plants encourages a positive outlook and increases satisfaction with life[4][3].
## Increased Mindfulness and Self-Esteem
Mindfulness is inherently fostered through gardening as it requires focus on the present moment. This mindfulness practice can lead to increased self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment and responsibility[1][2].
## Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Gardening acts as a form of meditation and introspection, promoting emotional release and rejuvenation. It offers a space for reflection, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves on a deeper level[1][2].
## Stress Relief and Trauma Recovery
For individuals dealing with trauma, gardening can serve as a therapeutic activity (horticultural therapy) that helps calm the body's threat response, promoting feelings of safety and grounding[2].
## Community Building
Participating in community gardens can provide additional mental health benefits by fostering social connections, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for altruism[3].
In today's digital age, where everything is instant, gardening offers a refreshing contrast. It requires waiting, helping us become more comfortable with uncertainty and a gradual progress. Gardening serves as a quiet rebellion against the modern rush towards immediacy and productivity.
If you're interested in exploring the benefits of gardening for mental health, consider reaching out to Charlot Cauchi, a Gestalt Psychotherapist with experience working with mental health difficulties, anxiety, depression, loss and grief, traumatic experiences, stress, and relational issues[5]. Charlot can be found at our website.
Embracing the slowness of gardening can lead to personal growth alongside the growth of plants, inviting us to step out of the hustle and into a quieter, more mindful space. Mindfulness and gardening resist the world's emphasis on speed, efficiency, and constant connectivity, offering a sanctuary where we can nurture not only our plants but ourselves as well.
References: [1] Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). The health benefits of gardening: A meta-analysis of time spent in natural environments. Preventive Medicine Reports, 6, 355–361. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007 [2] Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212. [3] Kuo, F. E., & Sullivan, W. C. (2001). A potential natural treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Evidence from a national sample. American Behavioral Scientist, 44(6), 773–796. [4] Barton, J. L., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and for how long? A multi-dimensional evaluation of the benefits of interacting with nature. Environmental Science and Technology, 44(10), 3947–3955. [5] Charlot Cauchi can be found at our website.
Gardening, a home-and-garden activity, extends its benefits to mental health, promoting mindfulness, reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, cognitive function, increased self-esteem, and emotional well-being. It offers a lifestyle choice that resists the modern emphasis on speed, efficiency, and constant connectivity and provides a sanctuary for nurturing plants as well as ourselves. To learn more about the mental health benefits of gardening, consider reaching out to a Gestalt Psychotherapist with experience in mental health difficulties, such as Charlot Cauchi, who can be found on our home-and-garden website.
