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The Huge and Indisputable Mental Benefits Of Gardening
Gardening is a window into the natural world ; birds, insects, fungi and plants populate gardens, delighting and inspiring gardeners every single day. It's little wonder that, according to the Institute for European Environmental Policy, bringing nature into daily life reduces anxiety, eases depression and loneliness, and introduces long-term wellbeing. Gardening takes these benefits and multiplies them; looking at the process of converting a green space into a bird-friendly haven gives an insight into how.
Attracting birds
Bird watching is one of the best outdoors pursuits when it comes to benefiting mental health. Research conducted by Princeton University found that the mere presence of wild birds measurably improves spirits and health, and that includes in gardens. Converting a garden into a space that can attract wild birds can be as simple as creating a nook for them to feed on wild seed, right through to planting bird-attracting plants throughout the green space to create an enduring appeal. In the process, there is a little hard work to be done, with the fine motor tasks demanded by gardening in addition to the brute force of shovelling and digging.Building physical health
Gardening is tough work. Calories are burned, akin to a workout, and according to Healthline this makes gardening one of the most effective forms of exercise for those with mobility concerns. Even simple raking of a flower bed can create a significant aerobic impact, and that will translate into long-term health benefits. Furthermore, the careful thought and dedication needed to plant and then tend to a wide range of natural greenery can stimulate cognitive health.Slowing the decline
Cognitive decline is a fact of life for many older people, but it does not have to be severe. Gardening is one way to prevent, or mitigate, decline. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, UK, gardening has been shown to effectively maintain independence, and in the process prevent cognitive decline. When brought together with the psychological and physical benefits of gardening, this is an all-in-one way to protect health. In the process of protecting your own health, you will of course be protecting the planet. Countries across the world are crying out for biodiverse and ecologically safe areas in which plants and creatures can flourish. Planting and maintaining a garden is a selfless act, but one that will pay dividends in all areas of life.Karoline Gore, June 2022
