Harvesting happiness daily: Boost your mental wellbeing with vegetable gardening

Beyond the obvious rewards of home-grown food, vegetable gardening offers wonderful mental wellbeing benefits.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us sought solace in new hobbies and simple pleasures. One such activity that flourished during this time was gardening. Vegetable gardening, in particular, became a comforting refuge for many. Many of us now know that there is something truly special about growing our own vegetables—watching seeds transform into plants and eventually harvesting fresh produce. However, beyond the rewards of home-grown food, vegetable gardening offers mental wellbeing benefits too. It reduces stress and enhances overall happiness.

A study published in the Journal of Public Health examined various studies on gardening and mental health and found that gardening reduces stress, improves mood and increases life satisfaction. The researchers highlighted that activities like vegetable gardening offer therapeutic benefits by providing physical activity, connecting us to nature and creating a sense of accomplishment.

Cultivating a garden is not just about vegetables; it’s about nurturing our mind and finding joy in the process. So, join us as we explore ways and benefits of gardening for mental health.

Get creative with exercising

Sometimes, sticking to your daily set of exercises tends to become a bit dull and boring. For infusing your days with a fun and engaging alternative, try vegetable gardening—it is a fantastic way to get exercise without even realising it. When you dig, plant, weed and harvest, you’re engaging in physical activity that keeps you moving and active. This kind of moderate exercise is great for your overall health and boosts your mood too. With regular gardening, not only do you get a workout, you also get to enjoy the benefits of a happier and healthier mindset.

Indulge in mindful eating

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of grabbing fast food or enjoying street food whenever we are hurried. Mostly, we don’t even stop to think about the health risks associated with these choices. However, when we learn to grow our own vegetables, we begin to understand the true value of fresh, healthy food.

For starters, we get access to fresh produce. Further, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables improves our mental health. These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support our overall wellbeing. By harvesting and eating the vegetables we grow ourselves, we fill our diet with healthy, mindful options.

Spend time in nature

Many of us spend our time doing chores and when we do have free moments, we while away that time sitting in front of the TV. We rarely spend time amidst nature, which is very important for our wellbeing. According to a study led by Matthew White from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, people who spent at least two hours a week in green spaces, such as local parks or natural areas, were more likely to report better health and psychological wellbeing compared to those who did not. In fact, spending time in nature has been shown to calm the mind and reduce stress.

The activity of vegetable gardening is a great way to connect with nature, even if one has a very small backyard. Simply being outside and taking care of one’s plants can lower anxiety and stress levels in people.

Reduce stress levels

It’s no secret that stress dominates most of our lives today. Increased numbers of mental health issues worldwide tell us that managing stress has become a necessity now. A soothing way to help reduce stress is to participate in a little gardening every day. Tasks related to gardening, like planting seeds or watering plants, can be quite calming—these take our mind away from everyday worries and give us a relaxing routine to indulge in.

Research has also shown that spending time in a garden can lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone linked to stress.

Manage depression better

Many people with depression often report feeling like they lack purpose or focus in daily life. Vegetable gardening can be a great help to people in these situations. Growing and harvesting your own vegetables can give you a sense of accomplishment, which consequently boosts your self-esteem and mood. Gardening also provides a structured activity, giving you something meaningful to focus on. Steadily but surely, your work in the garden helps fight feelings of hopelessness.

Avoid digital fatigue

In today’s constantly online world, we spend a lot of time staring at our screens, often leading to what is known as digital fatigue. Vegetable gardening offers a refreshing break from technology as it helps us stay present and mindful, living in the moment.

Taking time away from screens and dedicating it to a nature-based activity can further clear our mind and reduce feelings of stress. By focusing on caring for plants, we get a chance to unplug and enjoy a more hands-on, satisfying activity.

Improve overall mental wellbeing

The satisfaction of seeing your plants grow and thrive, along with the joy of harvesting fresh vegetables can bring a sense of utmost happiness and fulfillment. In fact, gardening can be a joyful and rewarding hobby that helps boost your mood and enhances your overall mental wellbeing. Vegetable gardening especially offers a range of benefits that ably supports your mental health.

So, whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, cultivate your own vegetables and enhance your wellbeing by finding joy in the leafy pleasures of life.

FAQs

How does vegetable gardening help reduce stress?

Tasks that are involved in vegetable gardening, like planting, weeding and watering can divert your mind from daily worries and lower your stress levels.

Can gardening improve my mood?

The sense of accomplishment from growing your own vegetables can boost your self-esteem and happiness. Engaging with nature daily can have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing.

How does growing my own vegetables benefit my mental health?

Growing your own vegetables benefits your mental health by offering a structured, purposeful activity that helps combat feelings of hopelessness.

How does gardening provide a break from technology?

Gardening provides us with time away from digital devices. This can help improve our mental clarity, offering us a more satisfying, hands-on experience.

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