Did you know, gardening helps mental health? Those suffering from mental health difficulties may find they enjoy being outside in the fresh air. In fact, I love being outside mowing the lawn, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something when I’ve finished. I used to attend Bridewell Organic Gardens, they’re a mental health service who provide gardening therapy. 

It was amazing just turning up at Bridewell because the scenery is just so peaceful and relaxing, it just feels like a place to escape too. Going outside and just forgetting about your thoughts whether they are intrusive thoughts or not, just really, really helps.

The Benefits Of Gardening For Mental Health

There’s so many benefits of gardening for mental health, firstly, it’s a form of exercise, you’re moving your body. Planting flowers or weeding is such a physical task, you think it will be easy but if you’re carrying a bit of weight like me, it makes you sweat. This afternoon I mowed the lawn, cleared out my garden bed, I’m actually growing strawberries and raspberries, just like I did last year. Raspberries are my favourite though, I love the sweet taste of them, it’s just something special.

That’s another thing about gardening, you can grow your own fruit and vegetables, I mean you can actually eat them. Whilst allowing you to grow things, you can be mindful in the garden. Next time you’re in the garden, think about your senses, what can you smell, hear or see? I put together this YouTube video to explain my reasons into why gardening helps mental health, take a look below…

Read my first book “Living With Aspergers: Daniel’s Story” on Amazon.