The past three years have been very eventful and somewhat frightening and depressing for many. We have faced a pandemic that has affected everyone’s way of life in a drastic way. From having to isolate and social distance to having to wear masks and social distance to now adjusting to going back to the normal way of life. These have not only been trying times, but uncertain times too. One thing is for sure, though, anxiety and fear have increased across the board. Fortunately, there is a proven treatment that is as close as the nearest door to the outside.
Studies have shown that time outdoors helps people manage their fears, anxiety, and stress. In fact, it would be hard to overestimate the value of time spent outdoors. Sunshine boosts vitamin D production that helps our bodies function more efficiently while the simple act of being out in the natural world increases serotonin levels, promoting calm and reducing stress.
A beautifully designed and managed landscape can help boost the restorative effects of nature. People will be eager to spend more time outdoors more often if they truly enjoy the landscape around them. However, some homeowners are afraid to spend money on their landscape right now because they might see it as an unnecessary expense. That fear can be compounded by the additional anxiety of not knowing how to manage that landscape themselves, adding to the fear that they’re wasting both time and money.
The trick is to develop strategies to manage fear and anxiety about working in your landscape first and foremost.Tackling it in a more focused way such as raking and weeding, which are tasks that anyone can do, proves to be quite helpful.
Do not fret when you think of all the work that goes into the upkeep of your garden which is why it is important to remember that gardening, in particular, can be a wonderful stimulant for body and mind, reducing stress and improving ones physical condition. Gardening is a full-body workout, improving upper and lower body strength while helping keep your heart healthy and your joints and muscles supple as you dig, pull, and move around. There’s also the creativity it sparks to figure out what to plant and where while thinking about color, texture, and combinations.
A healing garden can contribute immensely to stress reduction, diet, mindful presence,connection to nature and the world and the practice of emotional intelligence.
Remember that as gardeners and landscapers – professionals and enthusiasts – we’re all in this together. If you’re a home gardening enthusiast, don’t be afraid to connect with us at Catscapes, for assistance. Think of us as a valuable resource that can help you in two major ways:
- Help protect your land value as an asset. If your property has become an overgrown mess, both its curb appeal and value drops. Nature does not rest and the sun and rain will make plants and weeds grow and your trees shrubs will need pruning.
- Provide expert advice to manage your landscape and budget. As I mentioned above, nature doesn’t take a break. Reach out to us to discuss ways we can partner to stay on top of your landscape and maybe that way you will be able to better manage your budget while we handle the more critical work.
