During our daily activities, stress often comes uninvited. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve stress, including gardening. This activity not only relaxes you but also positively impacts mental health and the environment. Want to know more about the benefits of gardening and how to get started? Come on, let's discuss it!

What is Stress Relief and Why is it Important?

Stress relief is any activity or method that can help reduce stress levels in the body and mind. Stress that is not managed well can make us tired quickly, cause us to get emotional easily, and even affect our physical health. Starting from light exercise and meditation to gardening, everything can be an effective way to relieve stress.

Why is gardening considered an effective stress reliever? Because this activity involves natural elements, light body movement, and concentration, all of which help us feel calmer and more focused. Plus, gardening is flexible and can be adapted to the space you have, even if you only have a small balcony!

Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health

Gardening may seem simple, but the benefits for mental health are extraordinary. Here are the reasons why you should try:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Gardening involves direct contact with the soil and plants, which research shows can help reduce the hormone cortisol or stress hormone in the body. The sensation of touching the ground and leaves has a calming effect, like nature therapy.

2. Improves Mood

Seeing plants grow and bloom is a joy in itself. In addition, the sunlight you get while gardening helps the body produce vitamin D, which plays an important role in increasing mood and fighting mild depression.

3. Increase Focus and Mindfulness

Gardening involves full concentration on what you are doing, from digging the soil and watering to pruning the leaves. This activity helps your mind stop overthinking and focus on the present moment, much like meditation.

4. Gives a Sense of Performance

When the plants you care for start to grow or even produce fruit, there is a feeling of pride and satisfaction that arises. This can increase self-confidence and give you a feeling of productivity, especially on days that feel tough.

Tips for Gardening as a Form of Mindfulness and a Sustainable Lifestyle

Gardening not only helps mental health but is also part of an eco-friendly lifestyle. Here are simple tips for those of you who want to start gardening:

1. Start Small

You don’t need to have a large garden for gardening. Just start with a small pot in the corner of the room, balcony, or yard. Plants such as chives, chilies, or herbs (for example mint and basil) are practical choices for beginners.

2. Use Environmentally Friendly Planting Media

To support a sustainable lifestyle, use recycled materials as planting media. For example, use old cans or plastic bottles as pots. You can also make compost from food waste as organic fertilizer.

3. Choose Plants That are Easy to Care

For beginners, choose plants that don't need much attention, such as snake plants, succulents, or herbal plants. If you feel comfortable, you can try planting vegetables or small fruits such as cherry tomatoes.

4. Make Gardening a Mindfulness Routine

Every time you garden, enjoy the process. Feel the texture of the soil, notice the patterns of the leaves, and listen to the sounds of nature around you. This is an effective way to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

Gardening is one of the best ways to deal with stress while supporting a sustainable lifestyle. These activities reconnect us with nature, improve mental health, and help create a greener environment.

So, there's no need to hesitate to get started! Prepare a pot, soil, and some plant seeds, then enjoy the process. By gardening, you not only care for plants but also care for yourself and our beloved planet.