Many of us have become better at looking after our mental health and understand the benefits of being around nature and the outdoors. Being in peaceful areas gives us time to think and slow down, removing ourselves from the pressures elsewhere.
But one thing that has recently been widely spoken about is the benefits of gardening and planting. Yes, we are in fact talking about getting yourself outside to do some gardening or planting!
Gardening is often seen as an older person's pastime or even a male-dominated hobby, but we're discussing how gardening is good for our mental health, decluttering our minds and why its become so popular amongst young people.
Known as ‘mind gardening’ younger people discuss how cultivating, pruning and nurturing plants have been therapeutic for them in recent times. That looking after living things makes you feel needed and wholesome, which in turn makes us feel better inside.
Many people find that their garden represents their mind. That removing all of the weeds and keeping only the plants you want is a representation of the thoughts inside your head. That you only want to keep hold of the happy and content thoughts.
In today’s busy life constant consumption such as doomscrolling affects our self-esteem, so mind gardening is the proactive creativity you need to bring you balance. Gardening allows you to be creative, cultivate knowledge and think about ideas in general.
Not only does your garden act as a free therapy session it means you are moving around, raking, weeding and overall getting in your recommended amount of exercise. It also is linked to many other benefits such as helping attention span, ADHD and alertness. While alleviating symptoms of dementia such as agitation and aggressive behaviour.
While gardens and the greenery can be relaxing and peaceful, they also give you a great sense of achievement and confidence.
Reports show that 80% of the 300 adults that took part reported that their mental health had improved.
Don’t be put off if you don’t have a big garden or don’t want to spend a lot of money. Buy some planters and smaller plants or seeds and make a flower bed for your windowsill. Or alternatively, have you considered house plants? A great idea if you live in an urban area or city, house plants are perfect for uplifting your mood and space.
If you are worried about keeping your plant's alive start with low maintenance plants such as Peperomia, Cast Iron Plant and Fiddle Leaf Fig.
If you want to get your hands dirty, plants such as Peppers, Cosmos, Sage, other heat-loving herbs, Gladiolus and Canna Lilies should be planted around this time of year.
It’s also a great activity to keep your little ones entertained if you wanted to do it with them. Here's a fun activity to get them started.
If you want more information on plants that are good to get started with, take a look at this article.
So if you are feeling a little anxious, low or agitated, set yourself an afternoon to do some planting or gardening. No matter how big or small the task, we are sure you will feel a sense of accomplishment just for giving it ago.
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Written by Holly Thompson
Featured Image Credit – @indianfamilygarden
