Gardening: It’s more than planting a seed: The therapeutic benefits
You may recall the popular book by Robert Fulghum All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. “Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup? The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the styrofoam cup- they all die. So do we.”
Not everything grows in little styrofoam cups, but gardening has many benefits that can have a positive impact on your health. People living with dementia can especially benefit and will often experience improved moods, reduced anxiety, and feel a sense of purpose when given opportunities to participate in gardening activities. However, the benefits for those providing constant care for someone living with memory loss can reap benefits as well.
Caring for someone with a chronic health condition is stressful. But caring for some experiencing memory loss has two additional symptoms. Communication and behavioral challenges that often occur with dementia can make caring even more difficult. Finding hobbies that can help with stress reduction for caregivers is important and gardening is a proven intervention to help reduce depression and improve wellbeing.
Other benefits include improved quality of life, improved self-esteem, improved happiness, increased activity level, lower blood pressure, and peace and relaxation.
Even if you can’t get outside, putting seeds in a little styrofoam cup may be a good start to a new hobby. Indoor gardening can be fun, so roll up your sleeves and experience a kindergartner’s lesson in life.
If you are interested in learning about our Memory Cafe, our Virtual Family Support Group or need information about our Memory Ministry please contact Vicky Pitner, CDP, at vpitner@firstumc.org.