It's amazing how peaceful it can be when you're surrounded by greenery.
All of these problems suddenly seem solvable and your brain relaxes. And in fact, by putting your hands on the ground, you can change your life.
According to mental health charity Mind, more than 7 million Britons say gardening has benefited their mental health since the pandemic, and almost two-thirds say gardening and nature help reduce stress levels.
Sarah Bowers, manager of the Birmingham Regional Centre, a charity which uses social and therapeutic gardening to help people in need, is surprised. "People have an increased appreciation for gardening and access to green space," he says.
You can understand why. "Investing in something for personal growth is very important," says Sarah.
“You get a sense of accomplishment, a sense of responsibility, the joy of seeing a seed sprout, knowing you've healed that plant. And then hopefully you can get it in a few months.
But there are more health benefits under the skin. Get ready, stop, dig!
Benefits for mental healthDo you struggle to get out of bed or lack motivation?
“Regular gardening can bring purpose and structure. Joining a community gardening program, working in the garden or tending to something at home can give you the routine you need to wake up in the morning,” Sarah explains.
"Being able to say, 'I'm going to buy something today' is one of the reasons people love gardening."
Is it space or not?
“That sense of achievement is still there,” Sarah says.
Opinion polls back this up: 43% of people say that keeping houseplants or plants improves their well-being. Sarah recommends spider plants for growing indoors.
"This is an easy-to-care-for plant that reproduces itself. If you let him, you'll soon be planting his own little spider plants and then sharing them with family and friends.
He adds: “Gardening can also boost confidence and self-esteem. We were unemployed for 20 years and after participating in one of our horticulture programs they got back to work. Excellent. It can help them realize their potential."
Cut the insulationConnecting with other green-fingered people is one of the greatest joys of gardening, Sarah says, especially when you volunteer at a community garden.
"Sharing experiences with like-minded people and a sense of community improves well-being and confidence."
It can also help reduce feelings of loneliness, which can increase the risk of death by 26% and is linked to heart disease, obesity, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
counter pressureNature has the power to ease your anxiety, and there's a scientific reason for that. "Researchers have found that looking at pictures of plants can help you feel better psychologically," Sarah says.
"Biophilia helps us connect with nature to find clarity, compassion, hope, sobriety, peace and appreciation for life."
So, if you're stuck at home or stuck at work, take a photo of a tree for a quick and beautiful photo.
Improving moodGardening is considered an exercise that is a reliable way to release the happy hormones - endorphins.
Doctors are increasingly looking to the mood-enhancing benefits of outdoor recreation through "environmental social prescriptions."
Instead of prescribing pills and talk therapy for mental illness, many family doctors now refer people to personal cultivation programs and community gardening programs.
Benefits for physical healthThe world of horticulture may have invented the best form of training, one you don't even know you're training for.
"Mowing the lawn, filling the sprinkler, rearranging the containers, spreading the soil, before you know it you've been working out for two hours," says Sarah.
Your garden can practically become a home gym. And it's accessible regardless of ability or mobility.
"Even light gardening (planting, watering, collecting seeds) while sitting will help support upper body muscle groups," Sarah explains.
And with all that fresh air and light exercise, you'll sleep better.
CutsIf your hands aren't as dexterous as they used to be, or you've suffered a brain injury, gardening can help improve your skills.
"Small, precise actions like picking a small seed can help restore hand dexterity and strengthen hands and fingers, as well as improve hand-eye coordination," says Sarah.
Food valueEating home-cooked meals makes your day five times longer, increases your intake of vitamins and fiber and tastes better than plastic-wrapped alternatives from the supermarket.
“There's nothing better than eating the tomatoes you grow or picking your own herbs to add to your dinner,” Sarah says.
Don't have a garden? no problem"Anyone can get it," Sarah says. "You only need land." A window or balcony can be as functional as a garden.
No need to buy seeds or plants. collect seeds from store-bought peppers or tomatoes.
Instead of buying vegetable containers, use cut bottles or yogurt containers. And instead of a watering can, use an old plastic milk bottle with a hole in the lid.
Visit Thrive.org.uk for green tips.
Celebrities who love their gardens
Will Young
The Pop Idol winner told BBC Gardener's World:
"I have an anxiety disorder, so gardening keeps me right."
Stacey Solomon
Loose Women star Stacey has a knack for gardening and recently turned it into a wedding venue.
Kelly Brook
A keen gardener, Kelly says she is "thrilled" to work on her five acres near Kent Farm.
