An interesting article in the National Library of Medicine, entitled “Gardening activity and its relationship to mental health,” discusses the possible positive impact providing access to garden plots could have on mental health in low-income countries. The authors start by discussing the threats to mental health in those countries — forced migration, domestic violence, chronic illnesses, and caregiving burdens.
Despite the fact that the United States is supposed to be a high income country, these mental health challenges seem to be very similar to those we face here, where there are immigrants fleeing violence in their home countries, people living on the streets, limited recourse for people experiencing domestic violence, difficulty in obtaining treatment for illness, and limited and expensive respite care alternatives for caregivers. Food insecurity is a big problem in developing countries — as is true here. The only thing that seems to be different is the scale of the problem.
The authors go on to suggest that giving people in low- and middle-income countries access to gardening activities might really improve their mental health. They cite studies from higher-income countries that found gardening in various forms improves the mental health of the people who were studied. Gardening shows promise in the treatment of dementia, and in self-regulation in schoolchildren. Other studies found that involvement in some form of gardening was associated with high quality of life, sleep improvement, increased hope, happiness, reduction of symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. The authors point out that physical activity and being in green spaces has a high correlation with good mental health. Having access to sufficient healthy food, of course, does not hurt!
Back in the USA, gardening has advantages over traditional mental health: You don’t need to leave your yard or deck (important for caregivers), you don’t need to get an OK from an insurance company, and you don’t need to make appointments in advance. If you are a busy person, gardening can fit into your schedule at any point when you have time.
The Mayo Clinic website also features an article extolling the mental health benefits of gardening. It cites increased exercise, better diet, and time in nature. “Pulling weeds can be therapeutic and calming after a long day,” it states. The Mayo Clinic also mentions that gardening with others can increase social connections. Gardeners who want to participate in a community garden should know that construction of a community garden in Jean Sweeney Park will start shortly. See the Alameda Backyard Growers website for more information.
Medicare celebrated National Garden Month in May by posting, “Did you know that gardening is good for your mental health as well as your physical health? It can improve your mood, reduce stress, and even help you break a sweat!”
The Cleveland Clinic also thinks gardening is good for your mental health, and offers tips and suggestions to get the most of your session in the dirt with your plants. For example:
- Before you put on those heavy gloves and grab that shovel, do 10 minutes or so of stretching, concentrating on back muscles. Your back will thank you.
- Start small. Even if you have a lot of space, trying to grow enough food to feed a family of four if you have never gardened before is likely to increase the stress level, not decrease it. Four tomato plants, a basil plant and some fancy lettuce will keep a beginning gardener plenty busy.
- Use good form. Get good tools, keep them sharp and clean, and learn how to effectively dig. Again, your back will thank you.
- Being out in the sun is good in moderation. Remember your sunscreen and a hat
- Remember to hydrate. Keep that water bottle handy.
- Don’t overdo it. If you start to feel tired, take a break. There are very few gardening tasks (besides watering) that can’t be paused for an hour or two, or even a day or two.
I used to know someone who justified his somewhat excessive intake of Guinness by claiming he was drinking his pint for “medicinal purposes.” You can more rationally justify your purchase of heirloom French strawberry plants, expensive organic fertilizer, and designer gardening gloves by claiming that you are improving your mental health — which is actually true!
Margie Siegal is a long term gardener in Alameda and a supporter of Alameda Backyard Growers. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Margie-Siegal.
