Gardening is a great activity that relieves stress. Gardening has become so much more popular over recent years, especially during the lockdown as people discover how important being outside in nature is for mental and physical health wellbeing. It has even become better documented in the media along with show gardens by royalty being designed for some of our best-loved garden and flower shows. But why is gardening so good for us? If you are a gardener, you will know getting outside with the plants can be a great stress reliever and here are some of the reasons why it helps.
1. Getting physical
Gardening can be as physical as you would like it to be. If you have a larger space, there will be a lot of walking and perhaps digging involved. Digging can be a great way to relieve tension and stress by digging away any negative thoughts you are having. Plus as you exercise your endorphins will be released, lifting your mood and clearing your mind. Even light exercise such as watering, planting out and weeding can be really beneficial.
2. Focussing on the moment
In a busy life of multitasking with so much to juggle and think about on a constant basis, gardening can give us focus. It helps to bring you into the moment and allow for all of the business you have in your mind to be put on hold. Focussing on one task at a time is actually very good for your brain so by really being in the moment when you sow seeds, pot on, thin out is a great way to enjoy the moment.
3. Being with wildlife
There is nothing more rewarding than watching wildlife enjoying your garden. Listening to natures best music - bird song - can be a real joy and seeing fledgelings fly the nest in Spring to Robins hopping around where you are digging looking for worms. Creating a biodiverse garden is a great way to enjoy the wonders of nature.
4. Fresh air
Staying inside long term isn't so good for our health and when you have a garden, it means you can get outside and breathe in fresh air to your lungs. Use that time to blow away the cobwebs and feel the breeze on your skin.
5. Time out
You don’t have to just work in the garden. After all, you have done to make it look great, sometimes just sitting and appreciating it is the most wonderful way to relieve stress. Take some time out of your busy day to grab a seat and just watch the world go by in your garden. Ease your thoughts by looking at the flowers, which we know provoke happiness and remember to focus on that moment.
Come in store to see what we have to make your garden into a stress-relieving haven