Some people love gardening, they love getting in the dirt, being outside, the cultivating, and the rewards. Our ancestors’ ancestors’ succeeded through working the land. That positive behavior and impact on our reward systems is there and ready to be used.
Even for novice gardeners, gardening improves mental health. Research reflects that there’s a possible future for plants in healthcare and in public health.
People who garden say that they feel
- Less stressed or even stress free.
- Less anxious
- Are able to be present. Practice mindfulness. Learn about mindfulness here.
- Has brought peace.
- Burns calories
- We receive vitamin D from being outside.
- A sense of achievement.
- Doing something positive and enduring.
- Being one with nature and nurturing helps with feeling grounded.
- It aids in healing from grief and depression.
- There’s just something special about digging in the dirt, smelling the soil, and watching things grow.
Article that talks about research showing that gardening can improve mental health even for novices
Mindful Walk Activity that you can do in your garden
MINDFULNESS 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 GROUNDING TECHNIQUE that you can do in your garden
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PAINTED ROCKS
The Earthing Movie
“The Earthing Movie is a documentary that reveals the scientific phenomenon of how we can heal our bodies by doing the simplest thing that a person can do… standing barefoot on the earth.”
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