Do You Have Anxiety? Start Gardening

In the United States alone, it's estimated that over 40 million adults suffer from an anxiety disorder. This makes anxiety an extremely prevalent mental health condition that may affect your everyday life. Luckily, there are ways to lessen the intensity of anxiety symptoms. One way you may not have thought of is growing a garden. Here are a few gardening mental health benefits to consider.

Dirt Makes Humans Happy

A lack of serotonin is one major reason you suffer from anxiety, and it is possible to use medications to increase serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones. However, it's also possible to dig your hands in good soil and experience a similar effect. A recent study found that dirt can contain good bacteria that may even increase your serotonin levels. Why? These good bacteria give your immune system a boost, and this is a back way to helping your mental health. It's known that people who suffer from immune system issues are also more likely to suffer from mental health disorders. By exposing yourself to good bacteria through dirt, you are finding a way to increase serotonin production naturally. Your better functioning immune system should help your brain get more of what it needs to avoid anxiety.

Certain Aromatic Herbs Are Known to Relieve Stress

There are herbs that help with anxiety, and you can plant them in your garden. This means you will have daily exposure to anxiety-busting scents that will help you deal with symptoms. According to Holistic Healing Acupuncture, lavender and jasmine are two holistic herbs known for their relaxing properties. It is possible to use essential oils to carry the scent, but getting out and working with lavender and jasmine in the garden gives you even more benefits. You are smelling the scent while also having your hands in the dirt, and you are surrounded by the ambient environment of your garden. You are able to combine other anxiety reducers with the power of herbs.

Getting Outside Cures Many Ails

According to Mental Health Colorado, getting outdoors has been proven to help individuals with anxiety. Working in a garden combines getting outside with a physical workout, and physical activity is another great way to reduce anxiety symptoms. Knowing that you have a garden to care for will motivate you to get outside daily, and this means fewer anxiety symptoms, such as an increased heart rate and irritability.

Anxiety can be a tough thing to deal with it, but thankfully there are things like gardening that you can do to help yourself feel better. A garden is a great way to get outdoors and deal with your anxiety naturally. Plant flowers or foods you love and enjoy the relaxing time spent outdoors.