In the garden...
In a time when uncertainty becomes the only certain thing, its important to consider more closely the art of well-being as a way to combat the anxiety and stress of modern life.
Here at BOTANY FRANCE we have long admired the health benefits of spending time in the great outdoors, taking in fresh air and enjoying the botanical world around us - with gardening, in particular one of my favourite ways to relax.
There is something reassuring about milling the earth between your hands, its a connection as old as time and a reminder of the very bones of life. I love nothing more than to see the seeds that I planted in the spring appearing in the greenhouse, growing each day - a show of force and a reassuring confirmation that life continues regardless of how your day has been.
It seems that I am not the only one who claims the garden as a sanctuary, in fact many people are now turning to their gardens and green spaces to enhance their well-being and escape the calamity of modern life. With scientific evidence continuing to emerge about its benefits we discover some of the ways in which gardening is helping people all over the world with both mental and physical health.
It goes without saying that a little sunshine is good for everyone and making sure that you take some time out of your busy schedule to get outdoors also means that you are getting the correct exposure to vitamin D and supporting your bone structure and immune system. Just dont forget the suncream!
A number of scientific studies are now concluding that the combination of physical activity and mental activity which occurs in gardening as well as sensory experiences could reduce the incidence of dementia in future years. There are certainly many successful mental health schemes that currently help people connect with their memories through gardening practices and plants.
Research suggests that gardening is one of the most effective hobbies for fighting stress- proving to be a good combatant to rising levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Flowers and plants have well-known aromatherapy values, the sound of bird song and crickets can be found on many sleep apps to aid meditation and sleep and the sight and beauty of plants is something to put a smile on your face. Who, for example can deny the happiness of a field of sunflowers?
From the smallest window box to the largest of landscaped gardens theres always something to be done and most gardening involves some form of aerobic exercise. The great thing about gardening is that you are in control of your own limits and it can be made accessible to everyone. From planting to pulling weeds, pruning roses and digging beds. The only barrier is yourself. It can help with improving strength, stamina and flexibility and can work the whole of the body and you may not even realise it!
Another aspect of gardening which I have never given much thought about is the opportunity to socialise. Loneliness amongst all age groups is increasing despite the advancement of communication technology. It can feel a very lonely world out there sometimes despite what it may look like! Gardening is a universal subject that can be pursued by anyone of any age, race religion or social background and can be a fun way of engaging with others. There are many emerging community garden and collaborative garden projects which offer a way back to a community, to share thoughts, ideas and knowledge or just talk about your day.
So if you do one thing today just take a trip outside into the garden, a green space or the great outdoors and see what benefits it can bring to you and your well being.
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