Creating a Garden For Wellbeing
Gardening is not only a hobby or a way to beautify our homes. It is also a means of promoting our wellbeing, both physically and mentally and has he possiblity of shifting our perspective of how we view ourselves within our natural world.
Numerous studies have shown the benefits on our human bodies; that gardening can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost our immune system. If you have gardened before you may have noticed some...
Follow along with me as we explore the benefits of gardens for wellbeing and how you can start or change aspects of your own garden to reap these benefits. You can also create a mini garden or terrarium depending on your space. If you desire to create a larger garden space, please contact for workshops, consultation or assistance.
Mental Health Benefits of Gardening:
Gardening has numerous mental health benefits. It has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Additionally, the repetitive nature of gardening can be meditative and calming, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment and reduce racing thoughts. The act of nurturing plants also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem and self-worth.
Physical Health Benefits of Gardening:
Gardening can also have physical health benefits. For instance, it can increase our daily physical activity and promote a healthier lifestyle. Gardening involves pushing, pulling, bending, lifting and balance, through activities such as digging, planting, watering, and weeding. This can burn calories and improve strength and flexibility. Additionally, gardening can also provide exposure to vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and a healthy immune system.
Creating a Mini Garden for Wellbeing:
Creating a mini garden for wellbeing can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Here are some tips to get started:
Choose a space for your garden: Look for a space in your home, backyard, or balcony that gets sufficient sunlight and has good drainage. Make sure the space is large enough for the plants you want to grow. Otherwise choose a pot or terrarium style receptical to create your mini garden in.
Decide what to plant: Decide on the types of plants you want to grow, such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs. Many plants have sensory benefits and when choosing, look for variations and interest. Choose plants that are easy to maintain and fit the climate of your area and your specific envionmental conditions such as sunlight, shade and wind. If outdoors, plant some indignous plants to encourage and support wildlife, increasing the life and vibrancy of your space, and activate a sense of joy and wonder.
Get the right tools for the job: Depending on your mini garden being a space outdoors or a terrarium, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a trowel, rake, gloves, and watering can. You may also want to invest in a good pair of secateurs.
Start small: If outdoors, begin with a small garden or a few pots and gradually expand as you become more experienced. Observe the plants and enviornmental conditions, adapt as nessesary and repeat what works well. If you have limited space, consider starting with potted plants or indoor terrarium or pots.
Enjoy the process: Gardening can be a calming and meditative experience. Take the time to enjoy the process of planting and nurturing your plants. Make it a habit to water and tend to your garden as nurturing and enjoyment, rather than the feeling that is is a task.
Gardening is a simple and effective way to improve our wellbeing. It can reduce stress, promote physical activity, and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It doesnt matter if your garden in large or small, by creating a garden for wellbeing, you can enjoy the numerous benefits that gardening has to offer. Start small, enjoy the process, and watch your garden and wellbeing flourish. HAVE FUN!
More: Please see these links for more details:
Mini gardens (terrariums)
Gardens for Wellbeing article
Community Gardening, Nurturing Wellness and Sustainability
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