The Transformative Power of Landscaped Gardens
Britain’s love affair with gardens is long-standing and well-documented. Our connection to nature is fundamental, and nowhere is this more evident than in the home. If you’re a homeowner or property developer in Lincoln and the surrounding areas, you may have considered the aesthetic and financial benefits of having your garden professionally landscaped. But what about the potential benefits for your mental health?
There has been so much in the press lately about Mental Health; that we don’t as a nation talk openly about it enough; that it’s one of the many hidden killers, that we need to take more care of ourselves and our mental health.
There’s lots of research that highlights the positive impact that green spaces can have on our wellbeing. In a Thrive article they state that “Gardens are special spaces. They can improve our wellbeing in many ways, helping us feel calm or giving a sense of purpose.”
Let’s explore the mental health benefits that a well-designed and landscaped garden can bring.
1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
We live in an increasingly stressful world. With work and life pressures, finding a safe and calming sanctuary can significantly aid in reducing levels of stress and anxiety. A well-landscaped garden serves as that sanctuary. In an article published in Positive Psychology, they site “… investigations have shown that being outdoor reduces stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol.”
Interacting with nature, even in gardens, can shift the nervous system into a relaxed and calm state and with results like these from ALS Landscaping Lincoln you can begin to understand why.
2. Enhancing Mood and Promoting Positivity
A beautifully landscaped garden is not just pleasing to the eye; it can also improve your mood. The act of observing or interacting with nature releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. According to Forest, “We don’t take enough time out from our busy schedules to rest and become mindful, and to enjoy what’s around us.’ More and more of us are taking time out of our days to being ‘present’ and in the moment. If you feel like you want ‘your’ time, why not get in touch to see what ALS Landscaping Lincoln can do for you?
3.Encouraging Physical Activity
Having a garden that invites you outside encourages physical activity, whether that’s through gardening or merely wandering barefoot and appreciating your outdoor space. We all know that exercise is a known mood-booster and a crucial component in managing mental health conditions like depression. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) created a bank of academic papers, books , journal articles and other publications that relate to the positive impact of gardens.
In a 2017 study, they found that people who garden daily have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than those who don’t.
And if you’re not sure what you can do with your outside space, ALS Landscaping Lincoln are here to help.
4. Improving Concentration and Memory
A landscaped garden is not just an oasis of tranquility; it also plays a crucial role in improving cognitive functions. The Memory Café talks about this specifically in relation to dementia, and how gardening can “…help to stimulate patients’ senses to help improve memory retention.”
In essence, your landscaped garden can be your personal memory enhancement tool and will the population living longer, why wouldn’t you?
5. Facilitating Social Connections
It’s fair to say that since the Pandemic, gardens have become even more social spaces than ever before. They’re places where we entertain and connect with others. In a world where loneliness is becoming a significant public health issue, having a space that encourages social interaction is invaluable. It’s not just about the number of social connections we have, but also the quality, and a well-designed garden can foster this.
If you’re not sure where to place your entertaining area, why not use ALS Landscaping’s 3D Garden Design? Take the guesswork out of the equation.
6. Creating a Sense of Achievement
The process of landscaping a garden and seeing it come to fruition provides a sense of achievement and using a professional landscaping team means you get the same sense of achievement, without the fatigue of making it. This feeling can significantly improve your self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. These factors are crucial for maintaining good mental health.
Conclusion
Choosing to landscape your garden is a decision that impacts so much more than just the visual appeal of your property. It’s a proactive step towards enhancing your mental wellbeing.
For homeowners and property developers in Lincoln and surrounding areas, embracing the trend of landscaping not only adds value to the property but also to the lives of those who interact with these spaces.
Landscaping is an investment, not only in your property but in your mental wellbeing. In the words of the influential garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.” So why not sow that seed today for a healthier and happier tomorrow?
Get in touch with our team of experienced landscapers today.
