As someone who enjoys basking in the morning sun, I dread the first signs of winter, when the light fades out and the sky starts looking gloomy.
Luckily, growing a garden and tending to my vegetable patch has provided some solace, and it can do the same for you.
Caring for your green space is often therapeutic and brings you a sense of fulfillment.
You can’t discount the research-based benefits of gardening for your mental health! Stick around as I dig deeper into how gardening can lift your spirits during the darkest months.
Discover the Antidepressant Powers of Soil
Whenever I get my hands dirty in my garden, I usually feel much happier or more positive. That’s why most of my free time involves staying near my green space.
Turns out there’s a scientific reason behind it. Plant soil has been proven to increase serotonin or the “happy molecule,” levels in our bodies.
Scientists from Bristol University and University College London found that soil contains a “friendly” type of bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae responsible for this hormone boost.
Not only does soil boost your mood, but you also get benefits like elevated focus and cognitive function.
Explore Indoor Gardening
You might not be a fan of going out during icy temperatures and tending to your garden. In this case, why not take the garden indoors?
That way, you can surround your living space with lush greenery that’s bound to kick back your Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Apart from the aesthetics of having an indoor garden, caring for the houseplants is a therapeutic practice.
Indoor plants like pothos, spider plants, and other tropical varieties are ideal for improving your home’s air quality. Filtering out the toxins will help keep the winter blues at bay.
Create Your Winter Garden Haven
What’s a better way to find your happy place in the winter than to create a tailored green corner to meditate in?
This is what I imagine a cozy garden corner will look like: a patio heater in the center, a comfy seat next to it, and a bird feeding station nearby!
As for the greenery, you can adorn the space with hanging baskets and colorful containers filled with winter flora, like primrose and camelia.
The chirping birds and colorful surroundings are bound to uplift your spirits during these trying cold days.
You can rest in this special nook for your morning coffee and tend to garden patches nearby.
Get In Touch with the Community
Platforms of similar-minded gardening enthusiasts await you online. You can find your people thanks to the plethora of gardening forums.
These platforms allow you to share tips, ideas, and stories from your gardening experience. Apart from online, you can also create a gardening community in your neighborhood.
The connections help you find emotional and social support. I found that speaking openly about my struggles and worries in these groups has significantly lifted burdens off my shoulders.
Final Thoughts
The correlation between gardening and mental health has always been strong. The practice naturally lightens your mood and eases your stress and anxiety levels.
Plus, it creates a sense of routine that helps structure your day. Gardening to me has fostered mindfulness, given me gratification, and integrated a relaxing rhythm to my day.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.