Mental Benefits of Gardening
Article by Alicia McWilliams
Most people are aware of the physical benefits of gardening but they don’t always think about the mental benefits of gardening. Gardening can provide some very significant and much needed mental benefits in addition to physical exercise.
1) Stress Relief – Stress is one of the most common health complaints that people have. Stress from work, from family, from just daily living can build up and lead to all sorts of serious health problems. Many people who suffer from chronic health conditions are advised by doctors and experts to reduce their stress levels in order to stay healthy and fight off more chronic problems. High stress levels can also lead to insomnia and other problems that bleed over into daily life, making it hard to function.
Gardening is a proven stress reliever. There is just something about being outside, in nature, digging in the dirt and helping plants to grow that is soothing and relieves stress. Gardening is a great excuse to get out into the fresh air and sunshine and relax.
2) Anxiety Relief – People who suffer from chronic anxiety and even some people who are being treated for severe anxiety find comfort in gardening. The relaxation of gardening can be a very effective way to combat anxiety. When you’re outside gardening, it’s easy to sit and meditate, or sit and daydream, or just enjoy being outside in the fresh air, all of which can help you relax and calm down.
In fact, there is a particular form of therapy that is being developed that uses gardening as a therapeutic tool to combat depression and anxiety. For people who don’t respond well to the drugs that are usually prescribed to combat those disorders, gardening can be a safe and very effective treatment. Participating in gardening clubs or other gardening social activities can also be a good way to combat social anxiety disorders and other fears associated with being around people.
Participants in gardening therapy also feel a sense of accomplishment, increased self-esteem, and a feeling of purpose because they are creating something special for others to enjoy and use. Researchers still don’t know all of the benefits associated with gardening therapy, but the ones that have already been documented are enough to make gardening a highly worthwhile activity for both physical and mental health.
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There are also lots of tips and tricks that you’ll find on http://EasyGardening.BestOfResults.com that can help cut down on the time it takes to create and the variousgardening equipments which can help you.
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