Garden Therapy
Therapeutic Gardening:
A way to cultivate health and well-being
Therapeutic gardening or horticulture is a scientifically proven practice that uses gardening to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
It benefits various groups such as children, adults, and seniors of all ages, teaching how to manage stress and anxiety and how to live in the present moment, appreciating being here and now.
Main benefits:
- Physical: Improves mobility, muscle strength, and sleep quality. Provides access to fresh and nutritious food.
- Mental: Increases attention, memory, and creativity, and generates feelings of calm and satisfaction.
- Emotional: Helps express and regulate emotions, reduces stress and depression, and fosters empathy.
- Social: Facilitates communication and a sense of belonging by connecting with others who share an interest in plants.
The founder of GrowersGo explains in this video how, after suffering from a pulmonary embolism due to chronic stress and anxiety, discovering therapeutic horticulture changed his life forever.
Suggested Practices:
- Grow a small garden at home.
- Participate in gardening workshops.
- Join community gardens.
Additionally, therapeutic horticulture promotes ecological awareness and sustainability education, and offers a means for creative expression.
The GrowersGo app can help those who wish to start with this practice.
In summary, this therapy is an accessible and effective way to improve overall well-being through contact with nature.