If you have been gardening for a few seasons now, you will likely attest to the mindfulness that comes with it. Gardening can be viewed as "horticultural therapy" and is used as a tool to help people cope with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Spending time in the garden can reduce many stresses. You will feel more positive emotions and feel a sense of accomplishment/improvement each time you work on your garden. Being in nature and in a stress-free environment can greatly reduce anxiety levels. The sunshine will also help by boosting vitamin D levels and enhancing your mood.

The sense of responsibility and control will help you relax and ease your mind from daily stresses. The rhythmic nature of many task in the garden - weeding, sowing, sweeping - allows relaxation of the mind. Have you ever met an angry gardener?

Gardening may give your mental health a boost, but you will see many other health benefits from working in your own garden. Planting your own fruits and vegetables can lead to healthier eating at home, which can also boost your mood and energy levels. Gardening can also reduce the risk of heart disease by nearly 30%!

What are you waiting for? Get outside and reap the health benefits of gardening!