I recently came across an article from the Good Housekeeping UK website on Facebook entitled,
"WHY GARDENING THERAPY IS BEING PRESCRIBED BY DOCTORS" and was not surprised by the findings. The benefits of digging in the garden apparently go beyond exercise and something pretty to look at.
"Professor Tim Lang, Centre for Food Policy at City University London says it's widely recognised that regular contact with plants, animals and the natural environment can improve our physical health and mental wellbeing. When we grow food and flowers, we're engaging with the natural world at a pace that provides a welcome antidote to the stresses of modern life. 'For the large number of people in our society – children and adults – who live with challenging physical or mental health problems, gardening and community food growing can be especially beneficial. Such activities can relieve the symptoms of serious illnesses, prevent the development of some conditions, and introduce people to a way of life that can help them to improve their well-being in the longer term. And even if you are feeling fine, gardening is… well, just a very nice thing to do.'"
The article goes on further to list three specific benefits:
1. Soil is *actually* an antidepressant
2. It incorporates mindfulness
3. It boosts brain health
Sounds good to me. So if you need me later, best look outside. I'll be the one with the trowel in one hand and my new watering can from Granddaughter M in the other.
Click here for the original article:
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