Life has gotten more fast paced over the years of which can add and increase stress to our already stressful lives. From the city lights to what seems to be never-ending traffic noise, it can leave us in a state of being chronical stressed and overwhelmed. This is where nature comes through for us in the most subtle yet best of ways.
The story of Horticulture therapy started with the man and well known Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Rush who noted positive changes in his patients with mental illness back in the 19th century6 This lead to further questions-what else can plants do for us? Here are 5 ways that gardening and houseplants can help improve our mental health.
- Nature has a non-threatening vibe.
Those who suffer from mental health issues can be overly sensitive to new environments and can experience a trigger in a natural body reaction to threatening stimuli called the fight or flight response. The surge in hormones that aide in fight or flight can cause an influx of aggression, anxiety or fear response of which can take a long period of time to go away. Plants offer the complete opposite of anything aggressive or scary. It’s almost like we are all hardwired to seek out nature during stressful times. It’s quiet, offers grounding and there is time to gain our composure.
2. Plants can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Ah anxiety, that pain in the butt feeling of impending dread and doom. It’s a terrible feeling to experience when living with an unwanted roommate like anxiety. Chronic stress and anxiety increases the stress hormone cortisol. This is a normal response to anything stressful etc. but the problem happens when the anxiety never leaves. Prolonged chronic stress and anxiety decreases our immune system and therefor makes us more susceptible to illness and a decreased healing time. Studies show that just looking at and being with plants reduces anxiety, stress and promotes a positive outlook on life7.
3. Good old mindfulness
After being in therapy for a few years, there is something that is always mentioned-Mindfulness. If I wanted to chill out my anger and attitude, change had to happen. I had to become more aware of myself. Self awareness. What am I feeling? Why do I feel that way? etc. are common questions I have to ask myself when trying to navigate through and manage my emotions.
We can also use this in our gardens, with our houseplants and even through nature hikes. Observing our plants for signs of pest problems, changes in color as well and even subtle hints of plant stress (yep they get it too) is a tool we can learn to better observe our own thoughts and actions9. The more we practice mindfulness, the sooner we can catch unwanted thoughts and behaviors.
4. Learn and improve life skills
Having ADHD has it’s challenges with organization and scheduling just name a few so when I wanted to have more plants and more garden veggies, there were a few speed bumps. In order for me to accomplish my garden goals, it starts with the basics. I had to get better at scheduling time, organizing seeds, pay more attention and not lose garden tools. It can also help improve hand motor skills, encourages blood circulation through muscle movement all while boosting self esteem. Added bonus? We grow tomatoes. 10
5. Plants really do bring us happiness
Whether you garden for flowers/veggies or have indoor/outdoor houseplants, I believe we can ALL agree that plants make us happy. Maybe it’s because of all the positive vibes we get from them, their chill non-judgmental selves, rewarding our hard work with flowers and fruit, or easing the anxiety and anger, in the end these are all great reasons to smile and enjoy the happiness even if it is for a while. We are growing our happiness one plant at a time, one day at a time.
Footnotes
- https://www.ahta.org/history-of-horticultural-therapy
- https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing
- 3https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309696045_Plant_Therapy_a_Nonpharmacological_and_Noninvasive_Treatment_Approach_Medically_Beneficial_to_the_Wellbeing_of_Hospital_Patients.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037774/
- https://www.ahta.org/history-of-horticultural-therapy
- https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing
- 8https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309696045_Plant_Therapy_a_Nonpharmacological_and_Noninvasive_Treatment_Approach_Medically_Beneficial_to_the_Wellbeing_of_Hospital_Patients.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037774/