National Gardening Day, observed on April 14th, encourages gardeners and aspiring green thumbs alike to grab a shovel, plant some seeds and kick off a season of nurturing and growth.

Whether you grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, or houseplants, National Gardening Day celebrates a fulfilling hobby you can enjoy year-round.

But growing our own flowers, veggies and plants is more than just something we can do to pass the time; it’s also an opportunity to center ourselves, connect with nature, and cultivate a sense of well-being.

The Benefits of Gardening for Well-beingStress Reduction

Gardening is a beautiful hands-on activity that offers a therapeutic escape from daily stressors. Studies show that it can help lighten mood and lower stress and anxiety. Not to mention how gratifying it is to plant, tend and harvest your own produce or flowers – gardening can provide a sense of purpose, which, in turn, allows us to feel more fulfilled and resilient.

Connecting with Nature

Gardening allows you to immerse yourself in nature, fostering a sense of tranquility and harmony. Studies indicate that spending time in nature can decrease heart rate and muscle tension. Further, gardening outdoors and being exposed to sunlight helps lower blood pressure and promotes vitamin D production, which is essential for overall health.

Physical Activity

Gardening requires physical labor, and it’s one of the best types of movement we can get as it mimics the type of exercise that our ancient ancestors used to engage in – moving about their gardens, lifting, bending and carrying heavy things. Physical activity not only improves cardiovascular health and increases mobility, but it also releases endorphins, which positively impact mental well-being by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cultivating Mindfulness

In a world filled with distractions, gardening encourages mindfulness by grounding us in the present moment. The feel of the soil, the scent of the flowers, and the sounds of birds bring us to a state of heightened awareness of our surroundings and inner calm as we step away from our racing thoughts.

Flowers for Your Mental Garden

Just as we tend to our physical gardens, we must nurture our mental garden of well-being by cultivating positivity and resilience and sowing seeds of kindness and compassion for ourselves and others. By tending to our mental gardens with care and intention, we can cultivate a sense of peace and contentment that enriches every aspect of our lives.

Don’t have space or time for gardening? Postal Petals® offers bundles of seasonal fresh cut flowers delivered right to your door so you can express yourself creatively while arranging them however you choose – a practice that is just as beneficial for your mental well-being as gardening is! Visit the Postal Petals shop to explore this month’s featured recipes and customize your box!