Prior to the outbreak, the presence of a garden was linked to more health and wellbeing as well as better overall health. This pattern continues through COVID-19. Our own study on gardening in the UK during the first lockdown, which was published in a working paper in the summer of this year – we found that frequent visits to the garden were linked to better health. In addition, other studies have discovered that gardens can help in reducing mental stress during the pandemic.
With this in mind In this regard, here are five different ways to make use of your garden, which research suggests could boost your mental wellbeing. If you’re blessed with an outdoor space, but you’re having difficulty getting it to work, then you can consider these ideas to improve your mood.
If you’re feeling great today, you may want to take this opportunity to make progress. As the world’s leaders are advised to be prepared to deal with the next outbreak and make your garden more attractive and learn habits today to improve your health in the future should another lockdown occur.
- Make a decision (anything!)
Gardeners who are active every day tend to be more active in their physical activity, and those who have a patio, balcony, or patio are more likely to exercise as compared to those without a garden. Being active is linked with improved mental and physical wellbeing as well as a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and depression.
There is no need to be an expert gardener to be active with your yard (although we suggest you try it). Gardens are great spots to think about your ideas and offer plenty of opportunities to move. Play with your children, play hide and seek, take part in Yoga on your lawn or create a hotel for bugs in which insects could reside in, whatever you want to!
Remember, in the event of another lockdown, staying actively active within your yard could make up for missed opportunities to get active in other areas of your day.
- Do Nothing
Gardens can help help restore capacity to focus on tasks that require concentration, and provide the ideal space to take breaks when working at home during a pandemic. Natural objects – like plants, trees and water – are incredibly visually appealing and require no effort to observe. Just sitting in the garden can be relaxing as well as beneficial for mental health.
For preparing your garden for your break, design the perfect space you can relax. Relax in the surroundings with soothing items like flowers.
Garden seating is also believed to be a key element. The people who participated in our study reported that they had a great time sitting on the hammocks, benches and chairs. Therefore, take the time to relax and enjoy the clouds, or just relax by reading a book or sipping some tea. Don’t feel guilty about it taking a break – having time out is essential to avoid emotional fatigue.
- Be with yourself
Gardens are a great place to be able to escape the demands and anxieties of life. They are especially relaxing since they provide a place that allows us to escape from the daily grind. Our research revealed that some individuals talked about needing a space from household members. They found it by taking refuge in the garden shed. Others were hidden in their bedroom or bathroom.
In the event of another lockdown, keep in mind that your garden is an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle and the rest of the world. Maybe you can create a secret area in your garden to hide for a couple of minutes. You’ll likely be back at work in a state of being rejuvenated as well as much more efficient.
The garden can be a space to meet and socialise as well as an escape. wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock
- Be social
Research also demonstrates the importance of spending some time with other people outside. There are many ways to make use of your garden to enjoy creating relationships and socializing. You can play a game in the garden and have a barbeque or talk to your neighbour across the fence or invite a neighbor to enjoy hot chocolate in the winter (the Norwegians can teach us how to enjoy the outdoors in winter).
