Plants, Dirt, Sunshine, and Mental Health
Horticulture Therapy - Gardening- Improves Mental Health
There is a growing body of research showing the powerful benefits of getting your hands dirty with some gardening.
Here we go!
Horticulture Therapy: A Natural Way to Improve Your Health
Horticulture therapy is the use of plants and gardening activities to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. It is a growing field of study, with research showing that gardening can have a number of benefits for people of all ages and abilities.
Physical Benefits
Gardening can help to improve physical health in a number of ways. It can:
Increase physical activity: Gardening is a great way to get exercise. Even light gardening activities, such as weeding and watering, can help to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
Improve strength and balance: Gardening can help to strengthen muscles and improve balance. This can be especially beneficial for people who are recovering from an injury or illness.
Reduce stress: Gardening can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Spending time in nature has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, and to improve mood.
Improve sleep: Gardening can help to improve sleep quality. The fresh air and sunlight that you get from gardening can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Mental Benefits
Gardening can also have a number of benefits for mental health. It can:
Improve cognitive function: Gardening can help to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This is because gardening requires a number of cognitive skills, such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Reduce stress: As mentioned above, gardening can help to reduce stress and anxiety. This is because gardening provides a distraction from stressful thoughts and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Improve mood: Gardening can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. This is because gardening can provide a sense of purpose and connection to nature.
Increase social interaction: Gardening can be a great way to connect with others. You can garden with friends, family, or even strangers in a community garden. Social interaction is important for mental health, and gardening can be a great way to get it.
Emotional Benefits
Gardening can also have a number of benefits for emotional health. It can:
Increase self-esteem: Gardening can help to increase self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment and mastery.
Reduce loneliness: Gardening can help to reduce loneliness by providing a sense of connection to nature and to other people.
Promote relaxation: Gardening can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Increase happiness: Gardening can help to increase happiness and well-being.
How to Get Started with Horticulture Therapy
If you are interested in trying horticulture therapy, there are a few things you can do to get started:
Find a local horticulture therapy program: There are many horticulture therapy programs available, both in the community and in hospitals and other healthcare settings. A quick internet search will help you find programs in your area.
Start your own garden: If you don't have access to a horticulture therapy program, you can start your own garden. Even a small garden can provide many of the benefits of horticulture therapy.
Volunteer at a community garden: If you don't have the space for your own garden, you can volunteer at a community garden. This is a great way to connect with others and to get involved in your community.
Horticulture therapy is a natural way to improve your health. It is a safe and effective way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost your overall well-being. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, consider trying horticulture therapy.
References:
Bedford, V. H., & Karlin, B. E. (2012). Horticulture therapy: A review of the research. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 23(1), 1-16.
Chawla, L. (2003). Therapeutic benefits of gardening: Linking individuals to nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 23(2), 257-274.
Dolan, P., & Evans, G. W. (2006). The benefits of green space to mental and physical health: A review of the evidence. Landscape and Urban Planning, 78(1), 199-209.
Greening Australia. (2013). The health benefits of gardening: A review of the literature. Melbourne, Australia: Greening Australia.
Kellert, S. R., & Wilson, E. O. (1993). The biophilia hypothesis. Washington, DC: Island Press.
Pretty, J. N., Griffin, T., Sellens, M., & Pretty, G. (2005). Green exercise: Benefits of green spaces to mental and physical health. Public Health, 119(4), 312-318.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Stigsdotter, U., Grahn, P., & Olsson, I. A. (2010). The relationship between green space and health: A review of the literature. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 9(3), 217-225.
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420-421.
White, M. P., & Rosenberg, M. S. (2009). Gardening as a therapy for children and adolescents: A review of the literature. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 18(1), 116-128.
