Last updated: September 18, 2023
Hanging out in green spaces is one of the most relaxing things that we can do, and it has been shown to reduce stress levels even within ten minutes. So it stands to reason that getting out into the garden for a few minutes every day, for as long as possible, is important.
Mindfulness
Being in the moment is one of the best ways for us to let go of the things that are bothering us and focus on what is currently going on. For many of us, thinking about things that have already happened can take up a lot of time and drive us to distraction pretty quickly.
The great thing about gardening is that you focus on what you are doing, and you can’t really rush it. You can’t make seeds grow before their time, and you can’t get all the weeding done in seconds. You focus on the task at hand until it is done.
Rewarding
Remember those seeds that you can’t force to grow? Part of restfulness and positive mental health is that the rewards are worth it – but they take time to get. Not only do you get plenty of vitamin D, which gives you a mood boost and is its own reward. Growing vegetables and herbs will mean you will be rewarded with tasty treats – even if that is a single small tomato!
The better you get at it, the more you learn, the more often you will be rewarded.
Barefoot
If your garden is safe enough to be barefoot, then you can make the most of barefoot walking. Studies show that barefoot walking is great at regulating stress. Walking barefoot on grass decreases cortisol (stress hormone), which can help you sleep better. It is suggested that as little as 15 minutes on the grass can work wonders. While fake grass might be tempting, a little patch of the real stuff is beneficial.
Perhaps one of the best things is that you don’t need to be great at gardening to have a lovely grass-filled garden. Hiring a company like DD’s Landscaping to give you your dream garden so you can pluck a few weeds every now and then. Or you can take to Pinterest, create boards, and slowly put together your ideal garden over time.
Switch Off
Heading into the garden is a great way to switch off for a while. Reading in the garden has many benefits, like the natural light making it easier to read for a little longer, plenty of fresh air – and you’re away from all of the other devices and distractions.
Exercise
Yep! Even plucking a few weeds a week is a bit of a workout. Moving for a while every day is something we need to do for our health anyway, but it is much more enjoyable when it is something that we love to do. Moving and any form of exercise give us a bump in the happy hormones in our body.
This is just another reason gardening is good for your mental health. Not to mention that gardening is a great option for couples who want to spend time together.
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