Mental health issues have surged after the COVID-19 pandemic, and more and more people are falling prey to anxiety, fear, and depression. Specialists in the field are worried, and so awareness about mental health and its treatment is the need of the hour today. However, when it comes to the treatment of mental health issues, there are some simple yet powerful things you can embrace to create a positive effect on your mind. Gardening is one such activity that has a soothing effect on your mental health and does wonders to your physical health as well.
Dr. Curtis Cripe – The calming effects of gardening on your mind
Dr. Curtis Cripe is an expert in the field of neuro-engineering, and he provides neurodevelopment and cognitive rehabilitation programs for patients with addiction, autism, PTSD, and behavioral problems. He recommends people with mental health issues embrace gardening to feel better.
According to him, gardening has a host of benefits for your body and mind. It might sound surprising, but when you go outside and start gardening, you will see the negative thoughts in your mind disappear. Recent studies have proved people who spend time in nature have less stress and are happier. Nature gives you joy, and when you breathe fresh air, your mind clears up, making you feel more at peace with yourself.
Being in the present moment
Gardening helps you to stay in the present moment. You are working on weeding, planting a seed, or even watering a flower. You do not think of the past or future. You concentrate on the action you are doing at that moment, and this feeling heals your mind. In short, gardening helps you cut yourself out from the outside world for some time. This switching off from everything helps you get peace of mind. You will feel refreshed after gardening.
Exercise and physical health
Getting out and working helps you keep the body active and free from pain. Gardening does the same thing as there is a lot of bending, movements, lifting, etc., involved. It helps you to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Gardening aids you in building strength, especially in the lower part of the body.
You are exercising even if you are cleaning the garden, brushing the leaves, or even cutting thorns from a flower. Endorphins are released in your brain, and you feel good. When you feel happy, you smile more, and others around you are happy as well.
According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, gardening is affordable for everyone and an amazing hobby to embrace at home. If you suffer from mild to severe mental health issues, it is high time for you to take up gardening as a hobby or a pastime. You just need to step out and start spending time in your garden more often. In the beginning, this move might seem daunting if you are used to staying at home, but with practice and discipline, you will enjoy gardening more and witness how it boosts your mental well-being drastically with time!