Of all the new hobbies you can add to your life science suggests gardening may evoke the most happiness.
There’s something therapeutic about getting your hands dirty (literally) so much so a new term has been coined - ecotherapy.
Research in the UK demonstrated that 80% of those who gardened felt content with their lives, compared to the national average of only 67%. It actually improved their mood according to 90% of gardeners, and the study showed the more you garden the happier you feel.
Like most physical activities it can take your mind off life stresses. You can get caught up in the moment, and lose track of time and yourself. You may think you’re just tending to the weeds, but unbeknownst to you it can actually be used as a form of meditation.
While tending to your green babies, inhale and exhale deeply. Feel the soil slipping through your fingers, and the solidness of the roots as you ground them. Focus your eyeline directly on what’s in front of you. Listen to the noises surrounding you near and far. If you’re planting herbs, fruit or veggies taste the fresh flavour of homegrown. Swirl it around with your tongue savouring the taste.
See what happened there? Gardening just profoundly shifted from a chore to an exercise in mindfulness!
Spending time outdoors amidst green spaces daily has been demonstrated to improve concentration, happiness and wellbeing.
City slicking is a relatively new phenomenon, and getting outdoors and tending to soil keeps us in line with our ancestors. It’s a natural pastime that roots us in our heritage.
Looking after your garden involves nurturing. When you cultivate this quality externally it can help you cultivate it on the inside also. Make the most of your garden, terrace or balcony and introduce plants of all shapes and sizes. Not only will it looks super cute, you'll reap the benefits in your daily life.
Green lovers will love our gemstone Malachite. Like the colour green and the nature it embodies, this evergreen stone encourages tranquillity, serenity and health.
