With the hecticness of modern-day life comes an urgent need to find time to rest and recuperate. In a world where we balance heavy workloads with the pressure of maintaining a social life and staying on top of all the jobs that need to be done at home, there’s little to no time for oneself.
That’s why it’s crucial to make time for it – otherwise, you just won’t do it. If you can’t find peace in the chaos of your home, why not cultivate yourself a mindfulness corner in your garden? Not only is this away from the source of your stress, but it benefits you and your garden tenfold.
Gardening and mental health
Research has shown that gardens work effectively as stress relief. Studies done by medical bodies have found that the amount we spend time in, notice, and appreciate our natural surroundings works wonders for our mental health.
Indeed, gardening can release serotonin and endorphins, our so-called ‘happy hormones’, that make us feel good about ourselves. Whenever you’re gardening, especially with other people, it offers one a sense of belonging and of being part of something community-focused and sustainable.
Mindful gardening
Of course, there are many ways of gardening, and if your sole goal is to plant as much produce as possible, that might lead to more stress. Instead, if you’re not pressured to create a high yield, allow your senses to wander and take everything in slowly.
When growing your vegetables, carrots, peas, or even some tomato plants for some homegrown nutrients, make sure to take notice of your surroundings and the other species that inhabit it, connect all your senses to the outside world, and don’t be afraid to bend your body into all kinds of shapes to harvest or plant something in the right spot.
Gardening as stress relief
One of the fundamentals behind mental health is stress reduction and relief. Thankfully, there are lots of activities in the garden that do both of these things. For some, the repetitive task of raking and digging can prove helpful for stress relief, whilst others prefer something less strenuous like picking flowers or growing herbs.
The best thing about gardening is that your labour will always bear some kind of fruit. Whether it’s the unbelievable satisfaction of seeing your garden without any dead leaves or watching your veggies sprout, gardening has a unique way of making you focus on the here and now.
Creating your sanctuary
With the addition of cosy outdoor lights, cosy furniture and fuzzy blankets, you can enjoy your sanctuary throughout the day and into the evening. Simply take a book, a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and enjoy the sounds of nature as you relax.
