I read a quote the other day that said‘Gardens are special peaceful spaces withrestorative qualities that can work wonders when we are stressed and underpressure.’I couldn’t have said it better myself. My garden is my haven, whether it’s sitting in it with a coffee soaking up nature with the sun on my face or seeing the fruits of my labour through the window on a rainyday, to engaging in gardening itself all of these activities bring me peace and joy.Time and activity in nature is good for us. Evidence strongly suggests that if we spend time in a green environment, then we reduce stress, improve mood and have improved well-being. Hence the reason we are now also bringing the outside in to enhance our mood.Research in Sweden, for example, found that the more people used their gardens,the fewer incidents of stress they suffered. A report in the Mental Health Journal cited gardening as being able to reduce stress, with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Just to underline this theory further, studies carried out by Thrive showed that Social Therapeutic Horticulture and similar green care interventions can: Reduce depression, anxiety and stress related symptoms. Alleviate the symptoms of dementia, such as aggressive behaviour. Increase the ability to concentrate andengage. Reduce reliance on medication and self-harming behaviour. So, even if you don’t have a garden, get out into some greenspace and improve your mental well-being with something you can do in you rown time, for free and watch your mood naturally improve.
Ishbel Straker
Consultant psychiatric nurse