Beat Stress by Gardening
In today’s urban jungle, towers of glass, metal, and concrete house a thriving and bustling populace. People scurry about at a dizzying pace like insects. It’s a fast-paced world we live in and admittedly, it can get crazy. For many urban dwellers who want to unwind and de-stress, going back to nature is at the top of their list. This usually means a trip outside the metro where plants still grow abundantly and one can get a lungful of smog-free air. It is undeniable that there is something about Mother Nature that soothes and heals a weary soul and body.
Green Therapy
As much as we want to retreat to a distant green sanctuary when our stress levels go up, it isn’t always a viable option. So, for a quick dose of green therapy, head on to the nearest park, or better yet, create your very own garden. A lush patch greeting you when you get home is just the ticket to ease some of the tension brought about by a long day. Just the sight of a well-tended garden with a display of wonderful colors and the amount of oxygen that the plants exude can soothe the nerves and the eyes of a tired individual. The rocks and boulders can provide meditative attention to someone who is enjoying the premises of the garden. If walking into or even just having a view of a garden is already calming, just imagine the benefits of growing your own plot of green. Stress starts to melt away the moment you step into a garden. The vivid plant colors are a pleasant sight for sore eyes. A whiff of floral scents floating in the air instantly puts one at ease. Hearing the sound of flowing water and touching the earth relaxes tense muscles and calms the mind.
Gardener’s Gift
With activities like digging, raking, lifting bags of soil, bending, and many more, gardening likewise gives your body a comprehensive workout. Exercise flushes out stress hormones and releases endorphins, which make one feel happy or euphoric. Gardening regularly has plenty of health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and preventing osteoporosis, among others. Aside from these benefits, gardening also gives spiritual and mental relief. The tranquil atmosphere of gardens is ideal for meditation. When someone is in a meditative state, their worries float away, the senses at ease. The mind becomes clear and open to inspiration. When an person is immersed in his interest in gardening, he forgets his problems. What preoccupies his subconscious is his expectation of the flowers and fruits of the plants that he nurtures. The most important benfit is the inner satisfaction of nurturing and caring for the wonderful plants that nature bestows on the gardener.
Start a Pocket Garden
Creating a garden doesn’t mean you need a sprawling plot of land. Do not let limited space hinder you from starting your own healing garden. In fact, even a small space such as a terrace can be converted into a pocket garden. You can also start an herb garden, which requires very little space. Just buy pots and plant your favorite aromatic herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano and mint, then put them in your windowsill.
Things to do:
- Survey your space and select the area where you want to put the pocket garden. Look for a spot that can hold at least several inches of soil.
- Determine the amount of sunlight and air movement; in other words, study the microclimate condition in that particular area.
- Choose accessories like stones and pebbles, driftwood, and other accents, and then carefully designate these on specific sites of the pocket again. If you have the space and budget, add a water feature like a fountain or a water wall.
- Pick the plants carefully. Research and ask professionals about different plant species that are appropriate to the microclimate of your garden space. Consider how big a plant will grow. You can opt for dwarf varieties and small bulbs if space is limited. Some plant suggestions for a pocket garden are aglaonema hybrids and species, selagenilla, caladiums and dieffen bachia.
- Plant and maintain he garden with proper watering, fertilizing, as well as controlling pests and weeds.
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