Landscaping to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
In a world where competition and survival of the fittest reign supreme, mental health is slowly but surely becoming a pressing matter that needs to be dealt with. Getting back to nature is something that most of us can only imagine, especially since rapid urbanization of our metropolitan cities means that we are losing out on nature with each passing day. Transforming an outdoor space with simple yet aesthetically pleasing landscaping can contribute significantly to improving psychological, emotional and even mental health. At the very least, it can offer a haven for you to relax and unwind after a day doing mundane tasks.
The Beneficial Therapy of Nature
Newer, more advanced research has shown that when we spend time in nature, it can have amazing effects on improving our mental health. If you or somebody you know has struggled with stress/anxiety, depression, loneliness and other factors that could be putting a negative impact on mental health. Those of you who are feeling particularly adventurous, instead of simply enjoying the therapeutic and aesthetic benefits of immersing oneself in nature, you can do your own landscaping. There are a number of landscaping projects that can be undertaken: like taking care of plants, creating a garden using plants, rocks, wood/ bamboo and other natural materials, or arranging a seating area surrounded by landscaping. If it feels too difficult, you can also choose to hire a professional landscaper for help. Here are some of the direct benefits that landscaping can provide:
- Practising Mindfulness
Are you overwhelmed by events occurring in your life? You could try out some landscaping as it will need you to pay attention, removing daily stressors out of your mind; even if momentarily. Pruning trees and shrubs, sowing seeds, or planning the layout for a new design, all of these require unwavering focus and dedication. Practising mindfulness while completing such tasks will help you to develop a sense of calm, reducing your anxiety and stress to a bare minimum.
- The Power of Manual Labor
Often doctors and psychiatrists suggest manual or physical labor to boost the mood. Anxiety and depression can often be combated by engaging in physical labor, as combining exercise and outdoor work can be rewarding and energizing.
- Self-Expression & Creativity
Like most art forms out there, landscaping can also be used for personal expression. Designing an outdoor space or your own garden can allow you to unleash your creativity, giving you a sense of ownership & accomplishment. This type of self-expression can act like therapy, creating a positive self-image, as well as promoting emotional wellness.
- Connecting Nature to You
When you spend more time outdoors, you are able to nurture a truer and closer connection to the natural world. This connection can strengthen feelings of belonging while simultaneously reducing feelings of loneliness. Nature can often stimulate the five senses, grounding you in the moment unlike anything else.
Whether you are landscaping an outdoor space, a rooftop, or the unused nooks in your building, there are different ways to allow it to create a healing space that boosts mental health and wellbeing.
- Start out by placing small plants here and there, and then expand gradually as you gain more experience.
- Variety is the spice of life, so mix up the types of plants and shrubs you use in your landscaping to create visual interest and attract birds (if you are landscaping your rooftop/ garden).
- Relaxation areas can be a key point of focus in your designs. You can designate specific areas for reflection.
- Engage the senses by selecting plants in a variety of colors, textures, and scents. This elevated approach to landscaping encourages relaxation.
- Make it a regular habit to spend time in your landscaped area to reap the best benefits to your mental health.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is struggling to concentrate due to issues with your mental health and wellbeing, you can try to get involved in landscaping to soothe and relax the senses. By incorporating nature into life, being creative and nurturing mindfulness, you can create a haven to nurture your overall wellness & health. Let landscaping be your way to shaping a healthy mind and soul!