Gardening is a great way to de-stress and relax after a long day. Not only does it allow you to get out of your head and into your body, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
More and more of us are turning to gardens these days, particularly since the pandemic, when we really started to value the outdoor space that we had. What’s more, more and more professionals are encouraging people to utilise their gardens more, with gardening proven to be a stress reliever.
From chronic pain and terminal illness to addiction and depression, gardening can help ease pain and stress, and you’ll even find that some medical retreats, such as an inpatient treatment center for those suffering from addiction, have gardens that patients can go out in and get to work on.
Of course, gardening can help anyone suffering from stress though, and here are four reasons why…
Gardening Connects You to Nature
Gardening is a great way to get out and appreciate nature. Connecting to nature helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels and allows us to feel grounded and connected to the environment. Gardening also encourages us to be mindful and appreciative of the world around us.
Gardening Gives You a Sense of Control
Gardening allows us to take control of our environment and create something tangible. Taking control of our environment gives us a sense of empowerment and can help us reduce anxiety and stress. It’s also a great way to get out of your own head and focus on something concrete.
Gardening Can Be a Social Activity
Gardening can be a great way to connect with others. It can give you the opportunity to chat with friends or family while you work together to create something beautiful. Working together while doing something you enjoy can be very therapeutic and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
For those that haven’t got a garden, see if there are any allotments nearby or community groups that you can get involved in.
Gardening Provides Exercise
Gardening provides us with physical activity that can help to reduce stress levels. It can also give us an opportunity to take a break from technology and focus on something tangible. Gardening can help to get our bodies moving and reduce sedentary lifestyles, which many of us are now suffering from due to office jobs, working from home, and the like.
