‘Tis the season of gardening!
In our busy lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected. We’re constantly bombarded with noise, both literal and figurative, making it hard to find moments of calm. But what if I told you that peace, clarity, and a deep sense of connection could be found right in your own backyard?
It’s Alicia on the blog, for myself, gardening has become more than just a hobby, it’s a way to cultivate mindfulness and nurture the soul.
Why Gardening?
There’s something magical about getting your hands dirty, isn’t there? The feel of the soil between your fingers, the smell of fresh earth, the sight of new life sprouting. Gardening engages all your senses and brings you into the present moment. It’s a gentle, grounding activity that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and focus on the here and now.
Watch my video or read on for more details on how gardening can improve your mental health!
How Do I Start Gardening?
- Start Small: You don’t need a large garden to experience the benefits of green therapy. A few pots on your balcony or even a windowsill herb garden can be enough. This small, manageable space will allow you to ease into the practice without feeling overwhelmed. The joy of watching your plants grow, even in a small space, can be incredibly rewarding.
- Make it into something you enjoy: Gardening becomes even more fulfilling when you’re nurturing plants that you genuinely care about. Whether it’s a favourite herb you love to cook with, flowers that remind you of a special memory, or a vegetable you’re excited to harvest, growing something you’re passionate about adds a deeper sense of purpose to your gardening routine!
Tip: think about what excites you when deciding where to start, do you love the fragrance of fresh herbs? The sight of bright beautiful flowers? The taste of homegrown veggies?
Spruce Grove Community Garden
If you are short for space or want to take an opportunity to enjoy the process of gardening while engaging in your community, the city of Spruce Grove has an amazing community garden program! The program is seeking donations, volunteers and garden plot renters! Click here for more information about the Spruce Grove Community Garden or to apply for a garden box.
How to Make Gardening a Mindful Experience?
- Engage your senses: Gardening can be a very sensory experience. Take time to notice the feel of the soil, the scent of the flowers, and the sounds around you to ground you in the present moment. I love to go barefoot in my garden – this is also a grounding technique!
- Let go of control: This is much easier said than done… For me a big factor in making gardening a positive and relaxing activity is accepting that nature is not always kind. You may not always experience success when growing a new variety of flower or your yield might not be as large as your friends’. There is no perfect way to garden, so try to do it in a way that feels good to you.
By trying gardening and trying to unplug from the stress of daily life (even temporarily) you can rediscover the joys of real life connections, cultivate mindfulness, and enhance overall well-being.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Dóchas at 780-446-0300 or info@dochaspsych.com. Book an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our therapists here.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
