October 10 marks World Mental Health Day each year, as people across the globe come together to shine a light on mental health. This global event aims to challenge the stigma around mental health, promote the vital support available, and encourage all to speak about their own well-being.
While often seen as a leisurely pastime, gardening can actually offer a range of benefits when it comes to caring for your mental well-being. Gardening can feel incredibly therapeutic and rewarding, softening our mood, helping us to unwind, and feel closer to the beauty of nature.
World Mental Health Day is the perfect time to explore how getting your hands dirty in the garden can make a positive impact on your mental well-being.
A Social Activity
Gardening can be a great way to connect with those around us. Whether you join a local community garden to get your green-fingered fix, attend workshops to learn how to grow stunning plants, or simply lean over the fence for a quick catch up with a neighbour, getting involved in growing can promote a sense of belonging and instant social connection with other like-minded people.
Regular interactions such as these can really help to alleviate those feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Feel a Sense of Achievement
Nurturing a young plant to maturity is a rewarding experience. You’ll develop a real sense of ownership as you plant a seed or bulb, then see how it grows and evolves across the months and seasons. Watching it flourish can boost self-esteem and provide a real sense of accomplishment that you won’t be able to help but shout about. The feeling of having created something beautiful and healthy can be incredibly uplifting.
Plus, you can grow your own produce in the garden, serving from ground to the dinner table. Just imagine that sense of pride when you serve delicious fruit and vegetables to your family, which you nurtured yourself.
Relieving Stress
A fantastic stress reliever, physically tending to plants can help you to focus and disconnect from those worries that plague everyday life.
Repetitive motions of planting, weeding, and watering can feel very meditative and calming. Plus, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress hormones and improve overall mood.
Gardening can be a wonderful way to unwind after a hectic day. The tranquillity of a well-tended garden provides a peaceful environment to relax and recharge in.
First Steps into Gardening
If you are yet to get started on your gardening journey and would like to, here are a few first steps.
Choose a suitable space: Even a small balcony or windowsill can be used for gardening. Consider the amount of sunlight your space receives and the type of plants you want to grow. Do some research and choose which plants you want to grow and understand their needs.
Start small: Begin with a few easy-to-care-for plants like herbs or succulents. As you gain confidence, you can gradually expand your garden.
Join a gardening community: Connect with other gardeners to learn new tips and tricks. Joining a community garden or attending gardening workshops can be a great way to meet like-minded people.
Don't be afraid to experiment Gardening is a process of trial and error. Don't be discouraged if things don't go according to plan. Experiment with different plants and techniques to find what works best for you.