by Discover how growing plants can boost your mental health. Reduce stress, boost mood, and improve well-being.
Whether you’re planning to have a little garden in your backyard or simply looking forward to planting your favorite herbs in small pots, gardening is hands down a relaxing and therapeutic activity that has been proven beneficial in many studies. It is generally lauded as being one of the best natural ways to improve our well-being both physically and emotionally.
While there are many benefits to gardening, including getting some fresh air and sunshine, it can also help us feel more calm and focused. Similarly to activities such as working out, gardening helps us become more present in the moment, which is a great way to practice mindfulness and engage with our senses consciously—from the vibrant colors of the flowers to the earthy scent of the soil.
But you don’t need to have a sprawling backyard or a lot of space to do gardening. In fact, you can still enjoy the benefits of gardening by keeping a little plant on your desk or windowsill. There are plenty of studies that have shown that gardening can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety or depression, with the simple act of being outside and working with plants having a powerful impact on our mood and overall well-being.
Read About: The Power of Nature: Medicinal Gardens in the Ancient World
Do Growing Plants Help Combat Depression?
The power of plants is truly amazing; not only do they add a beautiful touch of greenery to our homes, but they also have some pretty impressive health benefits. Studies have shown that simply being around plants and nature can help reduce stress and anxiety and even combat depression.
If you’re someone who struggles with depression, incorporating some houseplants into your space could be a game-changer. Not only are they a cost-effective way to supplement professional care, but the calming effect they provide can make a big difference in how you feel on a day-to-day basis.
It’s important to remember that we’re all part of the natural world, and that connection is something that’s been a part of our existence for as long as humans have been around. Back in prehistoric times, our interactions with nature were absolutely crucial for our survival. But as our societies have become more complex, we’ve started to focus more on social and virtual interactions, which has led to a sense of disconnection from the natural world.
Read About: 14 Herbs to Sleep Soundly
The Connection Between Nature and Humans
In his studies, Wilson’s co-author Kellert (The Biophilia Hypothesis) identified nine forms of the biophilic tendency, each rooted in an evolutionary drive for survival and self-realization. From utilitarian to moralistic to negative, each form expresses our innate desire to affiliate with natural processes. This affiliation, in turn, sustains our ethical responsibility for the natural world, including all species.
Unfortunately, urbanization has caused many people to lose this bond with nature, severing the social, psychological, and moral benefits we once received from it. But it’s not just our own well-being at stake. As a new theory of moral expansiveness proposes, the extent to which we care for others depends on the ethical boundaries we set. By excluding living beings from our moral responsibility, we risk neglecting them entirely.
Fortunately, studies have shown that people who feel a strong connection to nature are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors. Moral elevation and nature connectedness are intimately linked, creating a positive feedback loop where awe and respect for nature lead to a greater sense of responsibility and action. It’s clear that restoring our bond with nature isn’t just a matter of personal health; but a crucial step towards building a more ethical and sustainable world.
Read About: Practical Ways to Reduce Stress and Boost Your Well-Being
Benefits of Growing Plants for Our Well-Being
Gardening can be a fantastic way to improve our mental and physical well-being. Here are some benefits you might not have thought of before:
Grow Plants and Cultivate Confidence
If you’ve tried planting before, you’ll notice that when taking care of plants, you can experience a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Though it might seem small, seeing the seeds sprout and grow into a plant can surely boost your level of confidence and self-esteem, especially if you’ve been struggling with depression or low mood. Seeing the result of your labor will boost your sense of achievement and improve your mood.
Gardening Leads Toward Self-Care
By now, we know that gardening is a therapeutic activity, but did you know that it can also trigger you to learn how to take care of yourself? If you plant mindfully with a sense of improving your mental health, then you’ll notice the positive effects it has on you. This will eventually lead you to recognize the importance of self-care. As you water your plant, prune its leaves, and provide it with the nutrients it needs, you may realize that you too need care and attention, which is amazing.
Houseplants Filter the Air
By keeping some beautiful plants indoors, you can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of certain health problems. For instance, Dr. Wolverton’s study of the interaction between plants and air found that plants can remove chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. This is especially important in indoor environments, where the air can be polluted with chemicals from cleaning products, furniture, and other sources.
Plants Can Boost Your Energy Level
Simply observe how staying amidst a lush green setting can instantly improve your mood. Plants usually have a rejuvenating effect on our body and mind. Some studies have shown that by just looking at pictures of nature, one can improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels.
Encourages Healthy Eating
One of the best parts of gardening is that it makes you want to eat healthy. With fresh access to your own organic produce, you develop conscious thinking about the things you consume, for example, avoiding fruits and vegetables that are sprayed with harmful chemicals and pesticides. Additionally, gardening can help you appreciate the hard work and care that goes into growing food.
Enhance Cognitive Ability and Social Skills
Gardening can also enhance cognitive ability and social skills. When you work in a community garden, you’re collaborating with others to achieve a common goal. This can help you improve your social skills and build stronger connections with others.
Grow Your Own Medicinal Plants
In today’s world, we are all concerned about our health and wellness, especially with the increasing prevalence of diseases due to air pollution and harmful ingredients in our daily products. It’s never been more important to take control of our own well-being, and a medicinal garden can help us do just that.
Introducing the Medicinal Garden Kit – the ideal solution for those looking to grow their own natural remedies in the comfort of their own backyard. With this kit, you’ll have access to handpicked, premium-quality seeds (Non-GMO) for 10 different herbs, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible start.
Imagine the satisfaction of stepping outside and picking fresh herbs like chicory and California poppy, knowing that you have everything you need to create your own remedies. With the FREE Medicinal Guide included in your kit, you’ll have all the detailed instructions you need to turn those herbs into a variety of remedies, including tinctures, ointments, salves, and more.
Not only will your medicinal garden provide you with access to natural remedies, but it will also add a beautiful and fragrant touch to your backyard. Picture the vibrant colors and scents of your new garden and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re taking control of your own health.
Even if you’ve never planted anything before, you’ll have no trouble growing these 10 plants. The Medicinal Garden Kit includes 2,409 high-quality, NON-GMO seeds packaged in the US, and your free Medicinal Guide will walk you through every step of the planting, growing, and harvesting process.
Don’t wait any longer to start taking control of your health and wellness. Start planting gratitude and cultivating blessings. Order your Medicinal Garden Kit today and start your wellness journey.
Disclaimer:
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information in this article, please note that our wellness guides are intended to serve as a general information resource and should not be considered a replacement for personalized medical or health advice from a qualified professional. If you are experiencing psychological challenges, we strongly recommend seeking assistance from a trusted professional.
We hope you have liked our recommendations. Please note that we may earn a commission from the links on our site if you choose to make a purchase, but this won’t affect the price you pay. Also, consult your physician before consuming the plants medicinally.
Ignite your personal growth journey with our handpicked collection of inspiring content. Sign up now for a life-changing dose of motivation and wellness.
