Mindfulness does not have to mean meditation.  Its basis is finding ways to be in the present and creating space away from pressing thoughts. Sometimes there is no better place than in a garden. 

On the past week, the U.K. (where I, Diane, am based) has marked Mental Health Awareness Week. This years’ theme was Nature, and people were encouraged to get outdoors and connect with nature as it is an effective way of tackling mental health problems and of protecting our wellbeing.

Getting your hands dirty and spending time growing food and other plants is a wellbeing tool for people of all ages and all levels (or none) of experience.

Why is being outdoors in nature so good for us?

• it lifts our moods. A Swedish study in 2019 found that children who grew up with limited exposure to green space had a higher risk of adult psychiatric issues. Even if your exposure is little and often, this is restorative to our mental health.

• When we are active, our body can handle stress better - our dopamine and seratonin levels are positively affected.

• If we grow food, we eat that food. Growing your own fruit or vegetables creates a sense of anticipation and people are more likely to eat what they have produced, having a positive impact on diet.

• There is a tendency to feel disconnected from each other, ourselves and the world around us. If people have the ability to do a project in nature, whether it be gardening, planting or other ecological project, this can encourage them to connect with others in a common goal. Gardens also provide a safe, beautiful and neutral space for communication. They are also a perfect representation of how everything in nature is interconnected, and what part we play in it.

Getting involved with local activities like growing food in a community garden, conservation or the restoration of habitat can boost your wellbeing as you know you are doing something positive for other people and for the planet. Knowing that you are contributing positively rather than being part of the problem is a huge boost to mental health. 

Many people find it hard to access nature because of where they live or because they have no outside space, however, even the process of nurturing a pot plant or some herbs is a beneficial thing to do.

We can learn from nature and see visible results. It also teaches us that not everything goes (or grows!) our way - some things are out of our control, and dealing with those challenges and frustrations teaches us a lot about how to deal with the hard stuff in our own lives.