Spring is in the air and the home and garden centers are full of tress, plants, flowers and herbs to be purchased and lovingly planted at home. Tending to your own personal piece of nature can be very soothing and relaxing. Whether you grow a garden full of vegetables or just enjoy the blooms of a select few flowers, gardening is a hobby and pastime that can actually be a great stress reliever.
Benefits of Gardening
Studies have shown that people who garden for 30 minutes have lower levels of a stress hormone known as salivary cortisol than people who read for 30 minutes. Another study found that gardening actually improved a person’s mood and their self-esteem.
Physical activity and movement are good for any person at any age. The digging, planting, weeding and watering we do when gardening helps burn calories, increase muscle strength and endurance. Additionally, the endorphins your body creates through this movement will help improve your mood!
Research has proven that people recovering from surgery or illness heal faster when they are surrounded by natural scenery, even if they are just images. This is also why sending plants or flowers to a person when they are ill is a proven way to help them improve their mood and health quicker.
The exposure to sunshine while gardening and the subsequent Vitamin D we produce because of it all work toward better overall health.
Being outside in the fresh air is another benefit to gardening. Exposure to fresh air strengthens the immune system, improves your blood pressure and your heart rate. Fresh air also makes your mind sharper and cleans your lungs.
Gardening also connects us to nature. The humble act of planting a seed or tending to a flower can remind us about the simple things in life and help us restore a little bit of balance to our busy days. And who doesn’t love the sight of a lovely bloom, especially one they nurtured themselves?
Growing your own food, whether they are vegetables or herbs used for cooking, can help you eat healthier. Plus, you can’t beat a tomato or basil leaf straight from the garden for flavor.
Indoor Gardening
Gardening does not have to be done on a large scale. For seniors who live in retirement communities, a large garden may not be an option. Some communities have gardens where residents can grow plants and vegetables. If you live in a community that does not have a garden, micro gardening could be a good option.
Micro gardening allows you to grow small plants and flowers in containers of any size. If you have a balcony or even a windowsill, small containers of living plants can provide stress relief benefits.
Succulents are especially easy to grow because they require very little maintenance and can live indoors without much water or sunlight. Succulents are good options for the cold months when outdoor plants are dormant. There is a large variety of different succulents in multiple colors, textures and sizes that can add vibrancy and life to any room.
There are different herbs that thrive at different times of the year and can be grown indoors. Some herbs like chamomile, rosemary and lavender have powerful properties for anxiety and stress relief.
Other indoor gardening options include the recently popular “fairy gardens”. Very tiny plants, small figurines and a multitude of accessories allow you to create your own world on a scale that won’t take up a lot of room.
Evergreen Senior Living
Find out more about the services and gardening opportunities available at the Evergreen community nearest you. Visit our website for a list of locations and services.
