The sun is coming out, flowers are appearing on trees and we are transitioning into the warmer months of the year - what better activity to try than gardening? The opportunities are endless, and the benefits are astonishing.
Over the past year, people have struggled with loneliness and anxiety. According to health.org.uk “more than two-thirds of adults in the UK report feeling somewhat or very worried about the effect COVID-19 is having on their life.” Nevertheless, A King’s Fund report found gardening to have remarkable benefits including “significant reductions in depression and anxiety and improved social functioning.”
A local gardener explains how, over the past year, gardening left her with “a positive feeling of enjoyment and a strong feeling of escapism.” Gardening can bring “a sense of wonder [and a] breath of fresh air” to your life. Furthermore, anyone can take up this hobby and even “those who live in flats can volunteer in the local gardening centres.”
She explains how although “precautions and following the rules and reminders to protect oneself are necessary and essential”, “constant drumming in of the Covid-19 news” can easily become overwhelming. Gardening provides time away from this stress and an opportunity to “lose oneself in the garden and nature.” Moreover, it may alleviate feelings of isolation to be around animals in nature. She describes the feeling of joy to “see the birds twittering and following [her] around, especially the Robin curious to see what [she is] doing”.
She perfectly sums up gardening as being “very restful, relaxing and therapeutic indeed.” If you want more peaceful time in your day and an opportunity for escape, this is the hobby for you!
