Therapeutic gardening is the practice of using plants and gardens to improve mental and physical health. It can be used as a form of therapy for people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, anxiety, and depression. In this article, we will expand more on how gardening is therapeutic.
Therapeutic gardening can take many forms, from potting plants in a window box to working in a community garden. There are no rules – it’s all about finding what works for you. If you’re not sure where to start, our How to Get Into Gardening guide can help.
Importance Of Therapeutic Gardening
Gardening can Improve Your Physical Health.
Studies have shown that gardening can help improve your flexibility, strength, and coordination. It can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
It can help you to become more physically active, which is great for your overall health and fitness.
So if you’re looking for a way to relax and improve your mental and physical health, consider spending some time in the garden. You may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be.
Reduce Stress
Gardening can help reduce stress in a number of ways. First, it gets you outside in nature, which has been shown to have stress-reducing effects. Second, it involves physical activity, which can also help to reduce stress levels. And finally, gardening can be a meditative and calming activity, helping to clear your mind and focus your thoughts.
Have you ever felt stressed after a long day at work? Or maybe you’ve been feeling down and need a pick-me-up. If so, gardening may be the perfect activity for you.
So if you’re feeling stressed, why not try spending some time in the garden? You may just find that it helps you to relax and unwind.
Boost Your Mood
Gardening can also boost your mood and provide a sense of well-being. One study found that people who spent time gardening had an increased sense of self-worth and satisfaction with their lives.
Gardening is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. The fresh air and sunshine can improve your mood and overall sense of wellbeing. Gardening also requires physical activity, which is known to release endorphins that have mood-boosting effects.
Gardening can also help to improve mood and overall feelings of well-being. In one study, participants who gardened for 30 minutes reported feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives than those who did not garden.
There are numerous other benefits to gardening as well. For instance, it can help you connect with others, learn new skills, and even boost your self-esteem. If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider giving gardening a try.
Boosts Human Serotonin Levels
When consumed, Mycobacterium vaccae, a kind of microbe found in garden soil, boosts human serotonin levels. Serotonin is the human happy chemical that helps with depression and improves the immune system.
While you work in the garden, these soil-borne microbes are released into the surrounding air. You inhale them as you work, and they cause your anxiety and stress to decrease. They may also enter your body via topical contact with your skin.
Exposure to vaccae microbes has also been linked to a boost in cognitive function, according to other research. This research found that the effects can last up to three weeks. One study found that older adults who participated in gardening activities had better cognitive function than those who did not garden.
Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can help to increase serotonin levels, and since gardening typically involves being outdoors, it may also help to boost serotonin levels.
Lower Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the adrenal gland in response to stress. When cortisol levels are high, it can lead to a number of health problems including weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress. In one study, participants who were exposed to nature for just 20 minutes showed significantly lower levels of cortisol compared to those who did not spend any time outside.
Increase In The Dopamine Levels in Your Body
When you plant vegetables and fruits, you get a dopamine boost every time you harvest. Even seeing or smelling one of your own grown foods activates your brain’s dopamine production. It is considered the “harvest high” by scientists, who believe it was first created by hunter-gatherer societies as a prize for finding food that sustains life.
According to psychologists, we may use this naturally occurring euphoria to break bad eating habits and boost fruit and vegetable desires.
Sense of Achievements
It can give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction as you see your plants grow and develop. It can promote social interaction and provide a sense of community hence increasing self-esteem and confidence.
Does Soil Make Us Happy?
It seems like a silly question, but there might be something to it. Studies have shown that there is a link between contact with nature and positive mental health outcomes. And while being in the great outdoors has its benefits, you don’t necessarily have to go far to get them. Something as simple as gardening can have a significant impact on your mood and well-being.
If you’re new to gardening, start small. A windowsill herb garden is a great way to get started. Or, if you have some outdoor space, consider planting a few flowers or vegetables. Don’t worry about perfection. The goal is to enjoy the process and reap the benefits of being in nature.
When we garden, we are exposed to these microbes, which can have a positive effect on our mental health.
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