With so much talk of the credit crunch and nightly reports of doom and gloom it is hard not to get sucked into a downward spiral. However Bents Garden & Home in Glazebury believes there is one proven way to lighten the mood and relax the mind, and the solution lies no further than the back garden.
Research from the Horticultural Trade Association suggests that 20 minutes spent outside each day, whether just enjoying green space or tending to plants, can help reduce stress and improve mood.
And Bents believes everyone can benefit whether they have a tiny courtyard or a garden the size of a playing field. Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents: “There are so many ways to enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers from full blown flower beds to individual pots and containers, which can be crammed into the smallest of spaces.
“It is hard not to get drawn into the worries that news channels report on a nightly basis, but we mustn’t let it take over our lives. It is important to remain positive and enjoy the summer months and there is no better way to do so than by a good dose of gardening.”
Gardening not only helps reduce stress and improve mood, but also helps physical well-being by providing a great form of all-round exercise, utilizing all major muscle groups. Says Matthew: “Digging, raking, mowing the lawn, these are all jobs that need to be done, but at the same time they are helping the heart. Gardening is a great hobby, not only does it brighten up your environment and provide visual pleasure but it is good for your health!”
Divert the mind with these great ideas for gardening exercise …
Mowing and aeriating the lawn
Raking
Weeding
Trimming trees and shrubs
Digging compost
Sweeping
Watering the garden
Painting fences
And the benefits plants can bring aren’t restricted to the garden. Considered to be ‘Clean Air Machines’, houseplants can also have a huge impact on mood and concentration. Continuously working, they help filter out pollutants and release oxygen and moisture into the atmosphere, adding to the overall health benefits offered by mother nature.