How to Improve Mental Health in Moms Through Gardening

Spring is in the air and with the warmer weather comes more opportunities to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. The mental health benefits of being with nature are priceless. Not only does increasing your vitamin D intake each day improve your overall health, but it also improves your mood. It's safe to say that with the nicer weather in spring, you can get outdoors more often to start gardening for mental health.

Mental health and gardening have a unique relationship, one that isn't talked about enough. If you are a mom who could use a boost in mental health, then gardening could be something you try out this year. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

In this article, take a look at the benefits of mental health and gardening. You can also learn how you can become more involved with gardening this year to have the best mental health year yet.

5 Benefits of Mental Health and Gardening

You might be pleasantly surprised to learn about the benefits of mental health and gardening. Take a look for yourself to understand just how crucial of a role gardening can play in your mental health.

Lowers Stress

Studies have shown that individuals who participated in gardening activities had lower stress levels than those who did not garden. Plant soil actually produces a bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae. When you touch the soil, this bacteria triggers a release of serotonin in your body. Serotonin helps reduce stress.

Decreases Anxiety and Depression

Scientists at the University of Florida published a study in the Public Library of Science ONE Journal that showed a correlation between mental health and gardening. In the study, the conclusion determined that women who participated in gardening activities at least twice per week had lower levels of anxiety and depression.

Reduces Negative Thoughts and Feelings

When gardening, you are focusing your mind and energy on the task at hand, which allows you to relax the mind from thinking negative thoughts. Therefore, you will have fewer negative feelings during gardening because your content and peaceful feelings will be in charge.

Reduces Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

When you join the gardening community, you are joining a group of like-minded individuals who share the same interest. Ask questions, get support, and share your success around your gardening journey with others. Research has shown that being part of a community decreases feelings of loneliness and isolation.

How to Incorporate Gardening for Your Mental Health

If you are ready to get involved with mental health and gardening, the following are ideas on how you can incorporate gardening into your life. As a busy mom, there are still ways you can participate without having to dedicate too much of your valuable time.

Start a Vegetable Garden

Starting a garden in your backyard could be one of the most convenient ways to incorporate mental health and gardening. A vegetable garden is generally low maintenance and the harvest you receive from your plants boosts dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical that gets released in your brain and it causes you to feel good. 

Join a Community or Neighborhood Garden

Many neighborhoods have developed community garden spaces. This is usually run by a local neighbor who wants to create a community and healthier living styles. Check with your neighbors to see if there are any you can join. You can also search on Facebook for any groups in your area.

Community gardens are just like any backyard garden. People can come and plant their seeds and tend to them on a regular basis. You can also pay a fee to the owner to tend to your crops for you when needed. Community gardens are a great option for those who cannot have a garden in their own yard.

Attend Gardening Classes

Gardening classes are offered by organizations or cities that want to help improve their community. Find out if there are any classes being held near you to attend and get practice with gardening. Classes can be as simple as how to plant a flower and as complex as studying the different environmental zones for the right crops.

Start an Indoor Garden

An indoor garden is a great option if you don't have the room to create an outdoor garden. Start with some small plants that can flourish inside. Tend to them each day just as you would if it were to be living outside. You will be happy to see your growing creations greet you every morning.

Volunteer at a Garden

If you don't want to have a garden of your own, consider volunteering at a garden in your area. This could be finding community gardens to tend to. This could also look like volunteering at a city building to tend to gardens there. Wherever you want to volunteer, there are bound to be plenty of opportunities to increase your gardening activities.

The Benefits of Mental Health and Gardening are Life Changing

When you think about all of the things that come with spring-- warmer days, sun, blooming flowers-- it's hard not to get excited about the season. It is a season of change; a season of transformation. Take advantage of it and have your own transformation with your mental health.

Mental health is something everyone has to work on. It is just as important as your physical health. If you neglect either, your overall health will suffer. Incorporate gardening for better mental health all around.

If you are a mom who is in need of improved mental health, let's schedule your free consultation today. As a therapist who specializes in maternal mental health, we can make a plan of action together to get you on the right track to healing and processing. Learn more about ways I can help you on your mental health journey here.