It’s no secret that the serene beauty of gardens can calm our minds. However, what may come as a surprise is the fact that scientific research supports the notion that gardens can remarkably enhance our well-being. Simply spending time outdoors can reduce stress levels, sharpen mental processes, and even improve one’s physical health. Whether you are a child, a grandparent, or simply an individual looking to take charge of your mental health, gardens can do wonders.
So, what else can gardens do? Rather than serving only as beautiful spaces, let’s explore how they can become life-sustaining partners in our journeys toward achieving better health.
Therapeutic Gardens – A Fab Club of Herbs and Gardens
When it comes to spending time at a garden, the benefits are not only limited to the anecdotal realm. There is enough scientific evidence supporting the focus area. It is a well-known fact, supported by a plethora of existing literature, that green spaces contribute to lowering the concentration of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) in the body, improving one’s mood and increasing focus. Even the NIH and Harvard Medical School have conducted research that shows exposure to green spaces mitigates risks of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, obesity and even some mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
A research conducted by different Universities showed that spending only thirty minutes in natural settings can lower stress levels significantly. Thus, gardens are an integral part in moderating our physical and mental well-being.
Why Gardens are Important to Achieve Wellness in Lifelong Life
At every stage of life, gardens precisely aid health in the following manners:
- For Kids: Gardens serve as an open environment that aids children to play while learning responsibilities, patience and many more skills. They are instrumental to nurture imagination and psychological fortitude as highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which strongly advocates for the recognition of nature in child development.
- For Everyone Else: In addition to serving as a stress-free retreat, a slice of nature has been associated with relaxation and improved heart health. Per the American Heart Association, keeping an eye on heart health is critical, and nature helps maintain one’s cardiovascular health.
- For Seniors: Gardening serves as a form of exercise and gives a sense of purpose which can be important for maintaining mobility. As We Get Older, gardens and yards can help in reducing loneliness, which is as damaging to health as smoking. There is a lot of research done in the NIH that indicates the emotional advantages offered by gardening and that helps older adults remain engaged.
Design Tip: Consider vertical or raised beds if you are tight on space. This will aid in making gardening fun for kids and adults too.
Physical Health Benefits: Boosting Your Body’s Vitality
Gardens can be a great source of keeping fit while having fun outside. Activities ranging from planting, taking care of them, or even weeding the garden aids and maintaining the muscle strength, coordination, and even heart health.
Key Benefits Include:
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Spending time in the garden usually translates to increased physical activity levels, which is good for the heart as well as getting blood circulation.
- Weight Management: When done correctly, gardening can help in burning calories and also aid in weight management. Depending on how active one is, gardening for half an hour burns around 200 to 400 calories.
- Improved flexibility and strength: The full body movement that gardening involves can increase strength and flexibility.
Benefits for the Mind: Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness
Gardens provide great benefits for an individual’s mental health. The act of gardening itself reduces anxiety, relaxes the mind, and elevates the general state of mind.
People who suffer from afflictions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s can also gain some benefit from the gardens. Certain therapies such as gardening calm agitation and allow for restful respite. Members of the Alzheimer’s Association indicate that cognitive exercises relative to gardening improve well-being in people who have cognitive impairments.
Besides, meditation is another therapeutic exercise that can be done in the garden. Research conducted by the University of Essex revealed that small doses of garden time can significantly shorten the length of time a person suffers from depression.
Design Tip: For a more stimulating sensory garden use aloe vera for touch along with fragrant plants like lavender and jasmine for scent.
How to Create a Therapeutic Garden: Step-by-Step Guide
Developing a garden that nourishes the mind and body isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Here is how you can begin:
- Find the Right Spot: Look for a spot with direct sunlight and easy access. Even small urban places or balconies can be transformed into therapeutic gardens.
- Select Plants that Improve Health: Choose herbs that are physically and mentally beneficial. Mint and chamomile are known for their calming properties as sunflowers improve your mood.
- Add Comfortable Seating: A comfortable chair or bench promotes relaxation and aids in mindfulness, allowing one to unwind while enjoying the beauty of nature.
- Maximize the Area: Smaller areas can be turned into functional gardens using suspended planters, vertical gardens, or elevated beds.
- Incorporate a Variety of Senses: Create a sensory experience by adding elements such as plants with pleasing scents, vibrant colors, and textured leaves along with a small water feature for audio stimulation.
Real-Life Examples: The Effects of Garden Design
Verifying the transformative effects of garden design can be noticed immediately. Many of our clients sought for gardens that enhance mental and physical well-being. One of our newest projects was focused on constructing a sensory garden in a senior living facility. What did we find? The residents had better moods along with enhanced mobility and improved social connectivity.
Interested in Starting Your Garden Journey?
If healing from being outdoors resonates with you, reach out to us now. Our professionals will assist you in developing a garden tailored to your health requirements, both physical and psychological.
Book a Call Now to plan your project and register for a garden design consultation with us.
