Unearth the benefits: How gardening can help your mental health

gardening from the doorstep Image Credits: tendergardener.com

Gardening allows you to feel the sun on your skin, the dirt between your fingers, and the sweet satisfaction of a task completed.

Believe it or not, gardening can offer some serious blessings for your mental health. In this article, we will unearth some of the benefits of gardening and show you how to get started today.

How does gardening help with stress relief?

Focusing on gardening tasks can help you forget about your negative feelings. 

You’re so focused on weeding, planting, watering, and pruning that you don’t have time to worry about anything else. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or depression, as it provides a welcomed distraction from negative thoughts.

Interacting with nature has also been shown to increase self-esteem and mood. When you’re surrounded by plants and flowers, it’s easy to feel connected to something bigger than yourself. This can be incredibly grounding and provide a sense of peace that’s difficult to find in this digital generation.

Can gardening help improve your mood?

Gardening has been found to have a positive effect on mental health comparable to meditation and exercise.

The interaction with soil can stimulate areas of the brain that produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to influence mood, appetite, and sleep.

What are some helpful tips for starting a garden?
woman cutting fresh herbs for cooking

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Here are a few tips to get you started on your gardening journey:

  • Start small.

You don’t need a huge plot of land to start reaping the benefits of gardening. A few potted plants on your porch or windowsill will do.

  • Choose easy-to-care-for plants.

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to how much care they need. Do some research on plant species that are easy to care for so you can set yourself up for success.

  • Pick edible plants.

One of the best things about gardening is being able to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor. Start with a few edible plant species so you can enjoy the benefits of both fresh produce and time spent interacting with nature.

What to keep in mind when you’re gathering plants and supplies?

When you’re ready to add some plants to your home, it’s important to buy from reputable vendors.

Checking reviews can help you find a vendor with a good reputation for delivering healthy plants. It’s also worth considering whether the vendor offers delivery. This can be a great service to take advantage of if you don’t want the hassle of transporting those plants back home yourself.

So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your cognitive function, it’s time to start gardening. Just be sure to choose plants that match your gardening abilities, and take the time to read up so you can enjoy the process fully.

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