LIVING WELL
The Benefits of
W
elcome to springtime! After a long and cold winter the warming temperatures and buds of green signal it is time to try something new. Why not try growing a tiny garden? 1. It’s Relaxing - multiple studies have shown the mental health benefits of gardening include reduced stress hormones, clearer thinking, and better mood after only 30 minutes. 2. It’s a Mild Form of Exercise The typical activities of gardening such as carrying, lifting, bending, and standing can burn up to 300 calories per hour. It doesn’t match more active
Gardening forms of exercise, but it’s a nice side benefit. 3. It Connects You to Nature – Gardening is so different from many of our “modern” tasks. It gives us a chance to feel the sun and fresh air. It relieves some of the “attention fatigue” we get from staring at a computer screen, tv, or video game. 4. It Encourages Creativity, Planning, and Perseverance – These are great qualities to teach your children. Creativity/ Planning: What will you plant? A flower, a bush, a vegetable? Where will you plant? In your yard, in
a pot on your patio? Perseverance: Gardening is best if you spend a few minutes each day checking the progress, pulling a weed, and checking for appropriate moisture. 5. Low Startup Cost: Most flowers or vegetable plants can be bought at Walmart, Lowe’s, or Home Depot for less than $5. A packet of about 20 seeds is usually less than $1.50. A two-foot square of your yard is free. Don’t have a yard? Find a clean 5-gallon bucket, punch holes in the bottom, and fill it with potting soil. Add a plant and you have a nice little patio planter for less than $10. If you’ve never grown a plant before you might consider asking for tips from an experienced gardener in your neighborhood. Start with a few (2 – 6) plants, and pick easy-to-grow plants like cherry tomatoes, sweet basil, or marigolds. Happy Growing! Dr. Scott is a Licensed Psychologist in private practice in Norman: www.DrScottPsychologist.com
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