Cultivate Wellness
Spring Cleaning: StepsGardening to Declutter for the Mind
Therapeutic Benefits
by: Kendalle Wexler, MS, LMFT-Associate Supervised by: Dr. Katrina Cook, PhD, LMFT-S By Kendalle Wexler, MA, LMFT
Gardening is often thought of as a leisurely pastime or a way to beautify outdoor spaces, but it also has significant benefits for mental health. Spending time in nature, participating in physical activity, and engaging in the creative process of planting and caring for plants can all contribute to a greater sense of well-being. One of the most significant mental health benefits of gardening is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. A study by Van Den Berg and
Custers (2011) found that “Gardening can promote the restoration of the neuroendocrine and affective responses that are involved in the stress process, and thereby have a beneficial effect on mental health.” Gardening allows individuals to spend time outdoors in a peaceful environment, which can help to lower cortisol levels, reduce feelings of tension, and promote a sense of relaxation. In addition to reducing stress,
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Fall 2022