Can Gardening Therapy Boost Mental Health?
Stephen Turnbull • May 13, 2019
People struggling with their mental health might try to seek counselling, start Mindfulness, exercise more, or join social groups. However, something else that may help boost their mood and alleviate stress is gardening.
An article in Real Homes
looked at how gardening can be a great form of therapy for those suffering from anxiety or depression.
A study in the journal Health and Social Care in the Community found participants felt ‘empowered’ by both the flexible nature of gardening and its social aspect.
Director-general for the Royal Horticultural Society Sue Biggs was quoted as saying: “Gardeners have known about mindfulness for generations and, with increased pressures through things like social media, now more than ever we need to get outside, moving and loving nature to calm us, get exercise and be kind to ourselves.”
Some GPs in London have even joined the Lambeth GP Food Co-operative to prescribe gardening time to patients suffering from depression or anxiety.
This is supported by a Harvard University study that found women with access to green spaces tend to lead healthier lives, and as a result they have lower rates of physical and mental illnesses.
Even those with small gardens or yards can make their outdoor space green, with an article in the Guardian
giving homeowners tips on how they can get the most out of their urban gardens.
It suggested picking plants that match their growing conditions, as this will ensure flowers blossom quickly and successfully. It also advised sticking to a budget, buying outdoor lighting to make the space more inviting, and getting to know neighbours so the outdoor space becomes a sociable and friendly environment.
Before you can really enjoy your garden, it is essential to get the flooring sorted. Get in touch with block paving driveway experts in Shrewsbury today
to fix your ground surface, so you can begin planting in no time.
