These days, with all the tech around us and the fact that we’re always ‘on’ and connected, it can feel like a bit of a luxury to find some time just for ourselves to really relax and unwind.
However, this kind of self-care is actually very important for our mental (and physical) health, so it’s definitely something you need to incorporate into your life as and when you can – and even specifically make time to do it.
Of course, you might assume that self-care means going to a spa or having some kind of elaborate routine, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated – sometimes all you need is the chance to get outside and enjoy a bit of gardening.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a garden of your own – see if you can volunteer to do some gardening with a community group or at a local park, which helps to make the location more beautiful for everyone. You get all those health benefits alongside making social connections too, which are great for improving your mental wellbeing.
The fact is that digging in the dirt, planting seeds, and watching things grow isn’t just good for your garden – it’s good for you as well. With that in mind, here are some reasons why gardening is great for self-care…
It’s A Natural Stress Buster
Life can get pretty overwhelming, and stress is definitely something everyone has to deal with in one way or another, so understanding how to handle it and reduce it (or even eliminate it) makes a lot of sense. When you’re outside with your hands in the soil or just breathing in the fresh air, that’s exactly what can happen.
Gardening has actually been shown to lower cortisol levels (cortisol is known as the stress hormone) and boost the mood almost straight away, so it’s an ideal thing to do. It could also be down to the rhythm of the planting or weeding or whatever else it is you’re doing – it’s a bit like meditation.
Plus, it’s a mindful thing to do because you can totally focus on the moment and not have to think about or worry about anything else. And it’s a satisfying process; from a messy garden to something that looks stunning, you’ll see progress at every step of the way, and that’s going to make you feel great.
You Get Sunshine And Fresh Air
Something else that’s important to note is – perhaps obviously – gardening means you get to go outside, and if that’s not something you tend to do in your day-to-day life (for those who work from home, for example, they might not step outside for days at a time), this is the perfect opportunity to do it.
And it’s a good thing – the fresh air clears your head and the sun gives you a dose of vitamin D. On top of that, you’re moving your body, and even if it’s just a little bit, that’s better than nothing. Speaking of vitamin D, you might already know that it’s good for strengthening bones, but did you know it’s also a mood booster?
Studies have shown that it’s linked to reducing feelings of anxiety and even depression (although you’ll still need to see a doctor for professional advice) and even a short gardening session can leave you feeling so much better – once you give it a go, you’ll see what I mean and you’ll be more inclined to keep going and get outside in the garden more often.
It’s Creative
Gardening is definitely about maintenance and making your garden look good, but it’s also a great way to be creative, and in some cases it can even be considered an art form. Just look at garden exhibitions and competitions like the Chelsea Flower show – that’s definitely design and creativity at its best!
No matter how ‘arty’ you might think you are, when you’re choosing plants and designing layouts, you’re being creative and you’re giving your garden the personal touch that’s going to make it just right for you – and make it a space you want to spend more time in.
You can experiment with colours, textures, arrangements, layouts, and so on, and do whatever it is that makes you happy. Want a tidy, formal look? Grab a lawn edger and you’ll be able to create a sharp, satisfying border. Or maybe you prefer a wild, natural feel? Then you can scatter wildflower seeds and let nature take control.
The point is, there’s no right or wrong because this is your space to play with and create with, so enjoy that process.
Patience And Gratitude
We’re all used to getting what we want when we want it (often after spending money to get it!), and after a while, that feeling of wanting things instantly can get a bit much – it can turn into needing things instantly, and the fact is that in most cases, we really don’t need anything at all.
And that’s where gardening can help because it’s the kind of activity that helps you slow down – you’ve got to be patient because plants take time to grow and flowers bloom when they’re ready, not when you demand they do.
This slower pace means you can be more patient, which is a great skill to learn and, as we mentioned above, it helps with mindfulness as well, so it’s fantastic. When those two things aren’t usually a part of your day-to-day life, you’ll find gardening becomes even more important because of how good it makes you feel.
And when the flowers do bloom, you’ll be reminded to be grateful and appreciate the little things, and that’s always a positive way to be.
It’s Physical Activity
Not everyone loves going to the gym, but gardening is a great alternative – it’s really exercise that’s disguised as fun, and a lot of the time you won’t even realise you’re taking care of your body, which can be good for those who aren’t keen on the idea of exercise or would rather workout at home.
All that digging, planting, weeding and lifting keeps your body moving, and in the process, you’ll build strength, improve flexibility, and boost your heart health as well.
Plus, because you’re out in the fresh air and creating something beautiful, you won’t get bored and stop too soon like you might if you were on a treadmill – gardening might just be the perfect way to exercise.
I hope you’ll be inspired to get out in the garden this year and, in terms of thriftiness, you could even grow your own fruits and vegetables to reduce your food shopping costs or plant a cutting bed so you can enjoy fresh bouquets of flowers without the expense. I’d love to hear your plans for your own garden this year so please leave me a comment below.
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