Benefits of gardening for your mental health

Feel the real benefits of gardening! When you are feeling blue, adding more greenery to your day is the best thing you can do.

Green fingers can do magic for your mental wellbeing. Especially at this time while we are still reluctant to leave the safety of our home because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Gardening can help you ease your anxiety and relax, stopping the time for a minute.

Let’s explore some mental health benefits of gardening.

Gardening is a stress relief

During 2020, we experienced another level of anxiety. We were all alone with our thoughts grieving the world that was evolving along with COVID-19.

Surrounded by depressing news instead of our friends and a positive atmosphere, it is much easier to slip into negative thoughts. Negative thoughts inevitably lead to decreased mental health. It is not natural to be locked inside for such a prolonged period of time.

There are a few ways of how everyone dealt with this situation. Some of us managed to skip all the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. The key is finding a hobby instead of falling into a trap of binge-watching tv and eating.

Gardening is practical in numerous ways and it doesn’t matter if you have a huge backyard, small front yard, balcony, or if you just want to make your living room more lively.

You can get your hands dirty and your mind more clear. Not to mention that the air will be clean as well. With gardening, you will enjoy the fruits of your work as it requires patience and focus. You can feel that sense of achievement floating in the air along with the refreshing scents and flowers.

Is gardening good for anxiety? Benefits of gardening explained

You probably had a tough time understanding why your mother or grandmother were spending their weekends working in their gardens. The truth is that they knew the benefits of gardening for mental health long before you did.

Gardening can be free therapy because it is proven to lower cortisol levels, reduces the use of medication, and helps with repetitive thoughts that increase your anxiety levels. It is even good for dementia because it decreases symptoms such as aggression. So, what is the secret behind gardening? Well, there is something in the ground that is calming and grounding to be precise. It is a natural antidepressant because at that moment you are connecting with nature. The plant growth is connected with your personal growth as well.

Gardening for depression

When struggling with depression, it is sometimes hard to even get up from your bed and do all of your routine work. Yet, some psychiatrists rather prescribe green therapy than medications. You will feel good about yourself, you will focus on looking for advice to make a beautiful garden and it will be a sort of meditation. Not to mention that you will reconnect with nature.

What plants are good for anxiety?

If you decide to start gardening, it is important to first think about where you will show your little creations (and be proud of them). If you don’t have enough space, try hanging the plants on the wall.

If you have a large backyard, think about creating your own vegetable garden. You will have a stress reliever and something fresh to eat straight from your garden.

If you are just starting this gardening adventure, make sure to start with something easier to keep alive. Orchids for example look amazing but they are extremely sensitive. So, leave this for that time when you become a professional.

The best plants for anxiety and depression are aloe vera, succulents, bamboos, lavender, and different snake plants. Please note that if you own pets you should be careful as some of them are poisonous.

Also, you can try growing herbs such as basil, thyme, chives, oregano, rosemary, and mint. Imagine all these green leaves oozing with flavor being added to your foods. Fresh, tasty, and most importantly – healthy.

If you want to plant a vegetable garden, there are some veggies that are extremely durable. For example salad leaves, radishes, and onions.

Make sure to do your homework on how much water and sun your plants need and to establish your routine. Remember to remove the weeds and water them.

It is important that you remember to enjoy this process. Don’t push yourself against your will if it brings you anxiety or stress. If you just want to sit back, enjoy the fresh air, and beautiful scenery that is ok too.

Greenery plus aesthetics

If you are tired of gardening, or just don’t have the time to finish that project you started, we can help. Let us assist you in designing your little piece of heaven on earth. We can give you the best advice and make sure that all aspects of your garden work perfectly.

Tracer Pool & Landscape sees every yard as a canvas no matter the size and we will use the space the best way possible. We work with natural materials so we can add that ‘’wow’’ effect to your garden. We also adore water fixtures and fiberglass pools as it can make your own little tropical garden in your backyard.

Let us help organize your space so you can enjoy those gardening side projects you’ve been working on even more. We will work with you on creating the most breathtaking scenery to match your dream backyard. This backyard zen area can help with reducing stress tremendously. You will feel the real benefits of gardening in all its glory.