Unfortunately, in today's world, more and more people are suffering from mental illness, or less than optimal mental health. Gardens can have a hugely healing effect, not just for the body but also for the mind. So, to help you make sure that your garden will keep you healthy and maintain your mental well-being, here are tips to help you create a garden that will promote good mental health:
Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own food can give you access to fresh, organic produce all year round. It can alleviate financial stress and, of course, help you eat right. Eating well is good for your mind as well as your body.
More than this, however, growing their own food can also give gardeners an immense sense of accomplishment, and satisfaction. And the very act of toiling to grow and harvest food has been proven to be good for stress-relief and mood management.
Grow Herbs for Good Mental Health
Another thing to consider is that a garden to promote good mental health could also include herbs which relax us and help us to stay healthy and happy. For example, chamomile can be used to make a tea which can calm you down and help you sleep well – a key ingredient for good mental health.
Choose Low-Stress, Low-Maintenance Options
While there is much to be said for the very act of gardening, a garden that promotes good mental health should never add to someone's stress. Low-stress, low-maintenance options can be found which will allow you to grow food, herbs and other plants without having to do too much work or put in too much time. Forest gardening, for example, can create beautiful, productive gardens that, once established, require little effort on the part of the gardener. Forest gardens can most definitely promote good mental health.
Attract Wildlife to Your Garden
Watching wildlife has been proven to have a significant effect on mood, and can help many people relax and unwind. A biodiverse garden filled with different wildlife will be sure to boost your mood. Create a wildlife pond, plant a wide range of plants and create a wide range of habitats, place bird boxes, bird feeders, bat boxes, hedgehog houses, bug or bee hotels and more, and you can share your space with creatures who can help calm you and boost your mood.
Make Your Garden a Haven From the Outside World
Finally, a garden should be a sanctuary, a place to escape from the stresses and strains of daily life. A garden designed to promote good mental health might therefore involve: