If you are not yet a gardener – spring is a time to start / Prophylactic self-isolation series. Day 355th.

It is not a secret that touching a ground, grass, a soil physically with hands brings a connection between you and Nature. The energy of Nature comes through the physical connection with it: by observing, by singing together with birds, but mostly by touching it physically.

Gardening is a meaningful connection with Nature

Even 40-50 years ago people were more connected with Nature, worked in fields and probably were much more calm and happier in terms of inner piece. These days, when we are mostly disconnected with the soil, Nature, by asphalt, buildings and technologies – where do you think to get this connection? Nowhere, we are disconnected and therefore suffer constantly.

Here are some scientific studies proving the importance of gardening. Gardening is a meaningful connection with Nature. I always try to give examples from science, for sceptics and curious guys:)

Gardening can improve physical, psychological, and social health, which can, from a long-term perspective, alleviate and prevent various health issues facing today‘s society. We therefore suggest that government and health organizations should consider gardening as a beneficial health intervention and encourage people to participate in regular exercise in gardens

SOGA, M., GASTON, K.J. and YAMAURA, Y. (1)

Horticulture (gardening) therapy mediates emotional, cognitive and/or sensory motor functional improvement, increased social participation, health, well-being and life satisfaction

SÖDERBACK, I., SÖDERSTRÖM, M. and SCHÄLANDER, E. (2)

The positive influence of gardening was attributed to the use of meaningful, health promoting and engaging occupations, in a supportive, green, and knowledge-fertile environment. These factors allowed for mechanisms of influence on well-being that engaged and empowered participants to cope with life, embrace change, and develop new skills for life and work, through meaningful and graded challenges

JOYCE, J. and WARREN, A. A (3)

References:

1. SOGA, M., GASTON, K.J. and YAMAURA, Y. Gardening is Beneficial for Health: A Meta-Analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 2017, vol. 5. pp. 92-99.
2. SÖDERBACK, I., SÖDERSTRÖM, M. and SCHÄLANDER, E. Horticultural Therapy: The ‘healing Garden’and Gardening in Rehabilitation Measures at Danderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden. Pediatric Rehabilitation, 2004, vol. 7, no. 4. pp. 245-260.
3. JOYCE, J. and WARREN, A. A Case Study Exploring the Influence of a Gardening Therapy Group on Well-Being. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 2016, vol. 32, no. 2. pp. 203-215.

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online source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335516301401

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