Embracing the outdoors: how gardening can nurture your mental health
with Danny Clarke
Over the years, my journey into horticulture has not only transformed my career but also profoundly impacted my mental health. Gardening and connecting with nature have become my sanctuary, and I believe they can offer the same solace and healing to many others.
Here’s how embracing the outdoors can support and nurture your mental well-being.
The therapeutic power of nature
There’s something inherently calming about being surrounded by nature. The simple act of stepping into a garden, feeling the earth beneath your feet, and breathing in fresh air can significantly lower stress levels. Research supports that exposure to natural environments reduces symptoms related to stress, and promotes a sense of relaxation.1
Image credit: Neil Marshment Photography
One of my mentors, Jo, taught me to see beauty in everything – from a grey sky to a spider’s web glistening with dew. This perspective shift helps me to appreciate the small wonders of nature, which can be incredibly uplifting, especially during tough times. I find that when you immerse yourself in nature, you engage your senses in a way that urban environments often don’t allow.
Gardening as a form of exercise
Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s also a great form of physical exercise. Moderate physical activity increases your heart rate and encourages the release of endorphins, your body’s feel-good chemicals.2
For me, digging a hole for a tree feels just as satisfying as playing a game of football. It’s a combination of physical activity and the mental reward of seeing the immediate results of your hard work that makes gardening so fulfilling for me.
There’s something inherently calming about being surrounded by nature. The simple act of stepping into a garden, feeling the earth beneath your feet, and breathing in fresh air can significantly lower stress levels.
Connecting with others
Gardening can also be a social activity, fostering community and connection. Working together on a community garden project brings people of all ages and backgrounds together. It’s a chance to engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and support each other.
This sense of community is crucial for my mental health. Talking with others while working in the garden can help to provide emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness. It’s an opportunity to build a network of friends who share similar interests and passions.
Gardening anywhere
You don’t need a large garden to experience the benefits of gardening. Even small spaces like balconies, windowsills, or indoor areas can be transformed into green havens. Planting herbs in pots, creating a vertical garden, or simply tending to a few houseplants can bring the joys of gardening into your home.
If you live in an urban area with limited green space, consider joining a community garden or an allotment. These spaces not only provide the physical benefits of gardening but also the social interactions that come with it. Engaging with nature, even in small ways, can make a significant difference in your mental health.3
Conclusion
Gardening can be more than just a hobby; it can be a powerful tool for improving mental health.4 Spending time in nature and engaging in gardening can provide a much-needed escape and a sense of purpose. It’s a way to reconnect with the natural world, foster community, and find peace in the simple, yet profound, act of nurturing life.
So, grab a trowel, plant a seed, and watch as not only your garden but also your well-being, begins to flourish.
You can hear more from Danny on Series 2 of the Mind If I Join You? podcast.
This article has been developed and funded by Lundbeck and is intended for UK audiences.
References
- Berto, R. The Role of Nature in Coping with Psycho-Physiological Stress: A Literature Review on Restorativeness. Behav. Sci. 2014, 4, 394-409. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs4040394 [last accessed November 2024]
- NHS. Depression in adults. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/living-with/ [last accessed November 2024]
- Connecting with nature offers a new approach to mental health care Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/connecting-with-nature-offers-a-new-approach-to-mental-health-care [last accessed November 2024]
- Cultivating wellbeing and mental health through gardening Available at: https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/cultivating-wellbeing-and-mental-health-through-gardening [last accessed November 2024]
