Getting outdoors and being amongst nature is good for our physical and mental well-being. Some fresh air and blooming flowers can improve our mood, relieve stress, and boost endorphins.
What if you can’t get outside?
With many of us being isolated inside our homes, it has been harder than ever to get outdoors and reap the benefits that nature has to offer. Luckily, you can get a dose of natural wellness by adding some greenery indoors and surrounding yourself with your very own self-care garden at home.
Reduce stress levels
Research has indicated that people with indoor gardens in their homes, or who tend to their gardens on a regular basis, have reduced stress levels, decreased feelings of isolation, and are less depressed. In fact, gardening for as little as ten minutes a day can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Having a green thumb can help us take a step back from the daily grind, and encourages mindfulness and simple living.
Create a healthy space
Digging out your watering can and gardening gloves doesn’t only have positive effects on your mental well-being. Plants improve the air quality of your living space and brighten up small indoor areas. Growing herbs and vegetables that can be used in your cooking can inspire you to be creative and more healthy with your food choices, not to mention giving you a sense of achievement that you really did make the meal from scratch! Introducing greenery to your home can also decrease your risk of physical health problems, and boost immunity.
Physical activity
Tending to plants both indoors and out encourages us to put our screens away, and engage in some physical activity. By moving your body, you can encourage the creation of serotonin, the hormone that makes us feel positive, and use up cortisol, the hormone that increases stress levels and leads to burnout.
It is clear that gardening has amazing benefits for both your mental and physical health. Not only does busying yourself with some seeds and shrubs provide a relaxing and therapeutic hobby, but as your plants thrive from some love and care, odds are, so will you.