Gardening is a hobby many people undertake for its various therapeutic benefits. Gardens serve as a place for relaxation and connecting with nature. According to various studies, gardening has been known to improve one’s psychological well-being, evoke positive emotions and boost cognitive functions.
According to a study by researchers from the University of Colorado, published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, gardening was found to have a positive impact on one’s overall health. Funded by the American Cancer Society, the research showed that community gardening reduced the risk of chronic diseases and cancer and significantly reduced stress and anxiety.
Mental health benefits of gardening
Enhances mood
Spending time in the garden can help keep the mind peaceful and relaxed, which can elevate one’s mood. When one is present in the moment and pays attention to the gardening tasks, it helps keep negative thoughts and feelings at bay.
Improves physical fitness
Undertaking activities such as removing wild plants, digging and raking can be a great physical exercise, which also has a positive effect on mental health. It prevents dementia and various mental health problems and lowers anxiety and depression.
Boosts one’s self-esteem
Gardening activities can make people feel positive about themselves. Putting efforts into growing a plant and watching it grow work can boost one’s confidence levels.
Promotes social bonding
Engaging in gardening at a community garden or any group helps develop social skills such as teamwork. It is also beneficial for one’s mental health as it helps build social connections and support systems.
Improves concentration
Gardening can enhance an individual attention span as it involves focusing on a single activity without being distracted.
Tips to start gardening at home
- If you have an outdoor space, start by growing plants in a container.
- You can also consider growing plants indoors. Some plants may require artificial sunlight.
- Choose flowering plants, fruits and vegetables that can be easily grown at home.
- Pick healthy soil for the plants and avoid those that have synthetic chemicals.
- Spend some time every day in the garden observing the plants.
- Wear gloves while gardening. Wash hands after gardening tasks.
Garden Feng Shui to boost positivity
One can apply Feng Shui principles to create a calm and tranquil garden area. The ancient practice of Feng Shui aims at harmonising one’s surroundings, which helps increase the flow of positive energies. Here are a few useful tips:
- Creating curved features when building flowerbeds, waterlines and fences. This ensures a smooth flow of positive energies.
- Avoid any sharp edges or objects, which are a common source of negative energies.
- Arrange seating spaces in the garden, which promotes harmony and prosperity.
- Demarcate zones for different purposes such as children’s play areas, relaxation, etc.
- Keep the garden area de-cluttered. Remove unwanted items and dying plants.
- Make sure to incorporate the five elements of nature – water, earth, fire, wood and metal.
- Grow plants that bring good luck and positive energies such as areca palm, bamboo, jade plant, peonies, etc.
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