Mindful Gardening: Taking Care of Plants for Your Mental Health

man gardening

Learning, hone our skills, and becoming the best versions of ourselves is a never-ending pursuit that people strive for for a long time. Through trials and tribulations, we can grow and develop much of our skills and talents. Physical activities and hobbies are also some of the best ways of maintaining a sharp mind and a well-toned body.

One particular hobby that has been increasing in popularity for the last few years is home gardening. Since last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a myriad of social changes. With mental cases around the world spiking due to the pandemic, much of the public has been using gardening to cope with the fact that they are stuck at home. Luckily, gardening has a myriad of benefits to our body and mind.

Besides making your yard look good, gardening is also known for playing an integral role in keeping our wits sharp and much of our body in good shape. But even before the pandemic, people have already been gardening as a form of stress relief and easing their worries.

So how can you effectively cope using gardening? What can you do to make your garden look good while also living a happier life? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

Doing Your Own Research

First and foremost, you’ll need to do some research on what you can do with your garden. Although most would say that your body will be doing much of the “heavy lifting” for your garden, having a clear plan in mind will ensure that time and resources are being placed to good use. Having no clear plan might make your garden look disorderly.

Some questions that you can ask yourself:

  1. What type of plant or tree should I place in my garden? Will the plant grow in this type of environment?
  2. Is the soil in my garden conclusive for the growth of your plants?
  3. Which plants need the most sunlight?
  4. How large is my garden?

Although you might have big dreams in mind for your garden, there’s no hurt in starting with a small space then slowly branching out to different areas. Still, it’s important to remember that plants will need their own form of maintenance. Some plants are known for needing more light than others and thriving within a certain environment. In some cases, gardeners will strategically place most plants that need sunlight in the direction on when the sun will rise to optimize UV exposure.

Investing in Facilities for Gardening

One of the best ways of ensuring that your plants are in pristine condition is by having the right tools, equipment, and fertilizer that will accelerate their growth. Of course, you’ll need to place your tools in the right storage area. You’ll need to invest in a storage shack that can house your gardening equipment since they can be vulnerable to the elements.

gardening tools and materials

If you’re planning on having an indoor garden, you might want to consider investing in an extension for your home that can let a good amount of light inside. Conservatories are great extensions for living spaces while still letting a good amount of sunlight for your plants. However, installing a conservatory will require professional supervision, resources, and time. Fortunately, there are conservatory installation companies that can help you set up your very own conservatory for yourself and your indoor plants.

Having a Consistent Schedule

One of the best ways of practicing consistency and discipline is by having a schedule that you can follow throughout the day. Just like having a daily ritual that you can confide in, a consistent schedule for gardening means that you’re busy enough to stop worrying while helping with your focus.

Gardening is also known for being a good daily dose of exercise. Some studies have shown that you can burn around 1200 calories in the span of two hours from just gardening alone. This isn’t a surprise when you’re moving almost all of your muscles when you have to dig, walk, bend your body, mow your lawn, and rake leaves.

Being stuck at home can take a toll on your mental health, and having an active and consistent lifestyle is known for being one of the best ways of combating depression and anxiety. Not just that, but making significant changes to your lifestyle can also reduce obesity and the likelihood of long-term health complications.

Gardening isn’t just an enjoyable hobby, but it’s also a wholesome activity that the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s building an indoor garden, having your own sustainable crop garden, or cultivating your own backyard garden, many activities can help ease your worries and help with your mental health.

Throughout much of your daily struggles, gardening can teach you various important lessons in life, such as being responsible and patient, both being integral to living a happy life.

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