Getting your hands dirty could be the best thing you do today. Photo Credit: Sandie Clark via Unsplash
By Layla Fischetto ‘27
It feels great to be outside. The sun on your face, the dirt at your feet, possibly a small shovel in your hand. While gardening can help you get outside more and bring more life into the world, it can also help your mental and physical well-being.
During COVID, one of the most difficult times for mental health, many turned to gardening. According to the Mayo Clinic health system, “A study found that interest in gardening increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. People spent more time at home and turned to their gardens for a connection to nature, stress relief and food provisions.” Although the world is no longer in lock-down, many have continued to incorporate gardening into their lives.
I started gardening some fruit and vegetables earlier this year, and it made me feel better and gave me a positive outlook on a day that could have been challenging. Gardening was something positive I added to my routine until the weather started getting colder outside. It was how I would get fresh air every day.
The fresh air that you breathe in while outside can also be used while grounding yourself. Being grounded, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is being “mentally and emotionally stable.” “Grounding” is also a technique used when someone is upset and needs to be calmed down. Being able to touchthe plants and the earth when gardening is a common form of grounding.
Another way gardening can be helpful, according to the Mayo Clinic health system, is that it can help build a routine. “Routines provide structure to our day and are linked to improved mental health. Gardening routines, like watering and weeding, can create a soothing rhythm to ease stress.” I have personally found that gardening reduced my stress level, as someone who stresses a lot over things. I also started to get onto a daily routine for my day. It makes it easier to plan the day ahead, and when you run into days that it is raining, it is one thing less for you to do.
In conclusion, there are many ways gardening can be beneficial, and I am someone who has seen those results. It can be a task that gets you moving and can be positive on all aspects of living.
Gardening is Healthy for You
By Layla Fischetto ‘27
It feels great to be outside. The sun on your face, the dirt at your feet, possibly a small shovel in your hand. While gardening can help you get outside more and bring more life into the world, it can also help your mental and physical well-being.
During COVID, one of the most difficult times for mental health, many turned to gardening. According to the Mayo Clinic health system, “A study found that interest in gardening increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. People spent more time at home and turned to their gardens for a connection to nature, stress relief and food provisions.” Although the world is no longer in lock-down, many have continued to incorporate gardening into their lives.
I started gardening some fruit and vegetables earlier this year, and it made me feel better and gave me a positive outlook on a day that could have been challenging. Gardening was something positive I added to my routine until the weather started getting colder outside. It was how I would get fresh air every day.
The fresh air that you breathe in while outside can also be used while grounding yourself. Being grounded, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is being “mentally and emotionally stable.” “Grounding” is also a technique used when someone is upset and needs to be calmed down. Being able to touchthe plants and the earth when gardening is a common form of grounding.
Another way gardening can be helpful, according to the Mayo Clinic health system, is that it can help build a routine. “Routines provide structure to our day and are linked to improved mental health. Gardening routines, like watering and weeding, can create a soothing rhythm to ease stress.” I have personally found that gardening reduced my stress level, as someone who stresses a lot over things. I also started to get onto a daily routine for my day. It makes it easier to plan the day ahead, and when you run into days that it is raining, it is one thing less for you to do.
In conclusion, there are many ways gardening can be beneficial, and I am someone who has seen those results. It can be a task that gets you moving and can be positive on all aspects of living.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dig-into-the-benefits-of-gardening
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grounded