🌿🌸 Gardening is more than just a hobby to me—it’s a lifeline. I’ve shared before that I deal with seasonal depression, but what I haven’t told you is that I also have anxiety, and unfortunately, it isn’t seasonal. I’ve found ways to manage it over the years, but even with all the tools I use, it’s still a struggle for me. Thank goodness for the garden!

Digging in the dirt isn’t just therapeutic because it feels good; as I’ve recently found out, it’s backed by science. Studies have found that mycobacterium vaccae in the soil when breathed in can actually boost serotonin levels, much like Prozac does. Isn’t that incredible! This means gardening can help reduce stress and anxiety—this is probably why I literally feel like a different person when spring comes and I can get my hands in the soil. I feel like a veil has been lifted from my eyes and I can see clearly again. Can anyone relate to that?

There’s a lot of talk about inflation these days and planting a garden as a great way to help with the grocery bill. Very true, but I’d argue that the power of the garden for mental health could be as beneficial to our lives, especially these days when the world seems to have turned upside-down. Let’s spread the word about the healing power of gardening being about more than just food and flowers but also about nurturing our mental health and finding joy in simple things.

#GardeningForMentalHealth #GrowYourOwn #StressRelief #healing