THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS of GARDENING
Gardening may seem like just another chore to add to your already overflowing to-do list, but it can be a form of self-care that can profoundly impact your mental health. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and neglect our well-being, but gardening can provide a much-needed escape from the stress and demands of daily life.
Not only does gardening offer a sense of peace and calm, but it also provides several mental health benefits. Studies have shown that gardening can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction, and improve overall well-being. Gardening can also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment as you watch your plants grow and thrive.
Home gardener Paula Favre said starting a garden was one of her first priorities when she purchased her home last year along the MS Gulf Coast.
“I love getting up in the morning to see what has changed,” Favre said of her garden that includes herbs, fruits and vegetables. “If I miss one day, it could be a drastic change. I love the beautiful surprises. I also the love the gratification of using what I have grown to cook or incorporate in my all natural hair and skin products.”
If you're new to gardening or don't have a lot of outdoor space, don't worry! Gardening can be done on a small scale, whether it's a windowsill herb garden or a few pots of flowers on your balcony. All you need is a little bit of sunshine and some basic supplies, and you're ready to start your own self-care garden.
Here are a few tips to get started on your own self-care garden:
Choose plants that suit your lifestyle: Not all plants are created equal; some require more attention and care than others. Choose plants that suit your lifestyle, whether it's low-maintenance succulents or herbs that you can use in cooking.
Start small: Don't try to tackle a large garden all at once. Start with a few pots and work your way up as you get more comfortable with gardening.
Get your hands dirty: Gardening can be a form of therapy, so don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and enjoy the process.
Make it a ritual: Turn gardening into a ritual by setting aside a specific time each week to tend to your plants. This can provide a sense of structure and routine to your self-care practice.
Find joy in the process: Gardening can be a slow process, but the joy is in watching your plants grow and thrive over time. Embrace the process and find joy in each step.
Gardening can be a wonderful form of self-care that can have a profound impact on your mental health. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, start your own self-care garden today and enjoy its many benefits!
Six Must-Have Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Self-Care Garden: A Guide to Stress-Free Gardening
Succulents: These tough and resilient plants require very little water and are perfect for people who are new to gardening.
Cacti: Like succulents, cacti are low-maintenance plants that require very little water and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
Aloe Vera: This amazing plant is not only low maintenance, but it also has numerous health benefits and can be used for skin care and wound healing.
Spider Plants: These easy-to-care-for plants are perfect for
those who want to add some greenery to their space without
having to worry about watering and maintenance.
Lavender: This fragrant herb is not only low maintenance, but it can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Peace Lilies: These low-maintenance plants are perfect for
purifying the air in your home and requiring very little attention.
Whether you have a green thumb or not, these low-
maintenance plants are perfect for adding some greenery to your space and practicing self-care.
Comentarios