We are all very aware that eating vegetables is one of healthiest things we can do, but what if growing them was too? Gardening has more recently been recognised for its powers at improving both our mental and physical health. This is positive news for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, depression or sufferers of anxiety.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
The antithesis to being mentally ill is being creative. Enjoying gardening as a group activity is also something that makes for positive impact when it comes to mental health. In addition to the benefits enjoyed from being creative, there are biological processes that can improve depression. The chemical that stabilises moods, serotonin, can be increased in the body by being in the sunshine.
Gardening is also seen as a type of meditation by many – think of the Japanese zen gardens. That lush and well thought out landscaping can manage stress and that’s how it’s used in Japan.
The relaxation from gardening can increase the dopamine and lower cortisone in addition to increasing the values of serotonin. It’s not just about getting the sunshine, but it’s also about responsibility. In the United States of America, horticultural therapy is used to help army veterans. It’s seen in a similar vein to looking after children or pets and encourages positive effects on mental health.
It’s about responsibility, if you don’t water the plant then it could die.
“If the plant needs water, then I do too.”
“I need to nourish my own body.”
It teaches self-care.
In addition to these improvements in mood that have been identified, gardening can help with obesity and results are reductions in a number of long term conditions such as cancer, heart disease and musculoskeletal conditions as reported by the Department of Health in 2010. With so many reasons, let’s all head out into our gardens!