How gardening is good for your mental health

North American Robin — Jongsun Lee, Unsplash

There is no doubt about the life we are all living at this moment, everyone is affected in some way or another. COVID-19 has us stressed. The media and our government have us thinking about health and wellness for ourselves, our loved ones, and our neighbours. Self-isolating and social distancing is giving us a whole new outlook on our lives.

No matter what is happening socially, Mother Nature is right on schedule. Spring has arrived and the weather is finally warming up. We need to do ourselves a favour and and get outside.

Outdoor activities are proven to help relieve stress and improve our mental wellness. Being exposed to soil and sunlight stimulates the neurotransmitters to help reduce anxiety, depression, and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Serotonin and Dopamine are pleasure-centre neurotransmitters that are associated with happiness, pleasure, and love. Serotonin specifically regulates mood, memory, and impulse, while dopamine is tied to euphoria, enjoyment, and motivation. So by getting outdoors, getting your hands dirty and increasing those dopamine and serotonin levels, means that getting back to nature, while soaking up some Vitamin D, can only be a win-win!

Gardening connects us with nature and reconnecting with nature has a huge impact on our mental health. It helps to destress and relax us, it’s great exercise, it’s therapeutic and plants don’t judge! Gardening encourages us to live in the moment, and if you have children at home, there are great teachable moments. Spending time outside with your children are always moments to cherish.

Flowering trees bring so much joy to the garden. This flowering almond bloomed in early spring in Aurora — Gardens of Joy

In a nutshell, being part of nature’s colourful palette, aromas, wildlife, and stunning beauty helps rest and recharge our brain.

Spring clean up gives you a chance to clean up winter debris and any of last year’s perennials you left up for winter interest. But be sure to wait for temperatures to get above 10 degrees. It gives the bees and other beneficial insects a chance to come out of their hiding places. 

If you are someone who prefers to sit and enjoy your gardens more than working in them, give us at  Gardens of Joy a call.  We offer the whole package - spring cleanups, regular garden maintenance, and fall cleanups! We can plant flowers and divide and move the perennials you already have. We want to give you the gardens you would love to spend time in!

— Cindy, Gardens of Joy