Mental Health Awareness Week: Gardening

It’s Day 2 of Mental Health Awareness Week and this time we’re focusing on the benefits that gardening can bring to your wellbeing. Whether you’re a green-fingered pro or only have space for a few potted plants, read on to discover how a bit of gardening can greatly improve your mental health.

Alleviates sadness
If you ever find yourself feeling down or suffering from depression, getting into the garden can really turn things around. Studies show that just thirty minutes outside can do wonders for your mental health, so why not pop outside during lunchtime and enjoy some al fresco while the weather is nice?
Also, did you know that soil and sunshine trigger the release of serotonin? This is the hormone that stabilises your mood and increases positivity. On top of this, sunlight stimulates the production of melatonin, which helps us to balance our biological clocks and promotes a good night’s sleep. This means that doing a little gardening can bring health benefits very quickly.

Reduces stress
We all experience stress and anxiety from time to time. Whilst your line manager and the HR team are available for a chat even during lockdown, sometimes just watering the plants or tending to seedlings can do the trick.
In the process, take a moment to breathe in that lovely fresh air and soak up a little sun. Listen to the sounds around you and explore areas of your garden close up to see if there are any new residents, such as ladybirds, butterflies and bird nests. This can significantly enhance your overall mood, which will not only make you feel more relaxed but also help to increase your productivity afterwards.

Gives a sense of fulfilment
Looking after a garden is an enjoyable pastime but it’s also an important task. Without your love and care, your plants could wither away and the lawn will turn into a wilderness. People who look after their gardens on a daily basis often feel a sense of ownership and take great satisfaction from a job well done. To keep track of how well you’re doing, take a photo each day and refer back to them to see the progress.  

Improves memory
Studies have also shown that regular gardening sessions improve concentration and memory, which is great for your daily work as well as your personal life. Everyone wants to keep their mind sharp for years to come, so get into the garden and see how the flowers are doing.

Improves your surroundings
Then we have the most obvious benefit of gardening – it creates a beautiful space for you and your family to enjoy. If you’re lucky enough to have your home office in a spot that looks out into the garden, you can also benefit from natural beauty whilst delivering work. If not, we recommend nurturing a few cuttings on your desk or filling a vase with some flowers that you grew yourself. That way, each morning you can wake up and smell the roses!

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Don’t forget that our chosen charity for this year is Mind, which offers help and support to anyone struggling with their mental health. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit out JustGiving page, 

We’d also love to hear how you’re getting involved in Mental Health Awareness Week, so if you’d like to share anything please tag us in your pics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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