Gardening heals

Still crafting one or two resolutions for the New Year? Don’t forget to consider time in nature – and specifically, tending to your own garden (no matter the size), as a healthcare strategy. Even if you’ve been gardening for decades, as I have, you’ll find that each season offers new lessons and rewards.

Check out a few of the following articles exploring how gardening positively impacts mind/body health:

https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/health-benefits-of-gardening/

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthful-benefits-of-gardening

https://www.apa.org/monitor/apr01/greengood

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/201906/10-mental-health-benefits-gardening

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a22109/health-benefits-gardening/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_are_the_physical_and_mental_benefits_of_gardening

And of course, for those interested in the professional side of things, don’t forget the resources available from the American Horticultural Therapy Association and the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association as they lead, guide, and support those interested in building stronger plant/people partnerships (and hopefully, a healthier planet!).