Benefits of gardening for mental health

Gardening is an activity that is often identified with the hobby of parents. So don't be surprised if some young people today think this activity is taboo. Some even think that farming is a boring and outdated activity. The reasons also vary, either because they don't have time, are lazy to get dirty, don't have the artistic soul to arrange plants, or because they are afraid of insect bites. In fact, gardening can be an effective means of reducing stress and making you more relaxed, you know!

Why is gardening good for mental health?

Tim Lang, PhD, a professor of food policy at City University London, says that making regular direct contact with plants, animals and the natural environment can improve a person's physical health and mental well-being. That is why, both children and adults, gardening can be an alternative to dealing with physical or mental health problems that they may be experiencing.

Here are some of the benefits of gardening that you should know.

1. Make yourself more patient

Hilda Burke, a psychotherapist, said that what makes gardening different and unique from other activities such as sewing or baking is that this activity indirectly connects humans with the earth. Getting in touch with the soil, planting something, patiently waiting for the results, and caring for seedlings will offer valuable lessons for one's personal life.

Now, this is what makes a person who likes gardening become someone who is patient, loving, responsible, and can take good care of himself.

2. Close to nature

It is undeniable that farming will put you in direct contact with nature. The land, plants, water, air, nature sounds and more that you touch will make you connect with other living things. Gardening can act as a reminder if you are not the only center of the universe. That's why gardening is a great way for you to learn to care for and respect your fellow creatures.

In addition, this activity is also a way to develop an appreciation for natural wonders. So don't be surprised, if many people claim to do this activity as a way to meditate on whatever they have done and accomplished so far. Well, this is what reminds someone to always be grateful and respectful to fellow living beings in nature.

3. Sports facilities and refreshing mind

Basically gardening will encourage you to exercise value and spend longer time outdoors. Because activities such as weeding, fertilizing, watering, to cleaning the garden will keep you moving and have high concentration. Even though it looks tiring, this is certainly good for you, right?

In addition to eliminating boredom and boredom at home, this activity will also make you active while breathing fresh air and getting to know your surroundings better. Remember, whatever is good for the body, will also affect your mind. So it is not only healthy, gardening can also be a place to refresh your mind which may be complicated.

4. Sharpen memory

Apart from being a form of exercise that is good for your body, gardening can also be a brain exercise. This is based on the results of a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Scientists have found that planting and caring for plants in the garden is a powerful way to maintain cognitive health, increase brain volume and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 50 percent. This is because besides involving physical activity, gardening also requires high concentration.

5. Cheap and easy

Some people may think that if they want to garden, they need a large area of ​​land. In fact, not so. Remember, everything starts small. So you don't need to hesitate or bother. A hanging pot or several pots with soothing greenery on the edge of the window can also lift your spirits whenever you see them.

Don't have the money to buy a pot? Relax, you can still use other materials available in your home, such as used cans, drink bottles, and other items that are no longer used at home.