Gardening as Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
Gardening is an INCREDIBLE form of artistic expression, and the beauty which gardening produces lightens the heart and promotes feelings of joy and accomplishment! It allows women to connect with and be soothed by nature. Seeing life grow can be incredibly life-affirming.
Another added bonus of gardening: it can provide relief from the symptoms of menopause. The National Institutes of Health show that gardening lowers blood pressure, increases Vitamin D (which can improve mood), and is a great form of exercise (especially when you are lugging around 25L bags of soil).
“There is increasing evidence that exposure to plants and green space, and particularly to gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health” –
The National Institutes of Health
During perimenopause, Bev tended huge veggie & fruit gardens, which she grew from seed. She loved getting her hands dirty, smelling the soil, and seeing her garden creations come to life! Here are some of Bev's creations, including two blueberry bushes that produce an amazing crop of delicious fruit every year!
To begin, plan your garden with a few key steps:
Create Your Space: Choose a sunny spot in your yard or balcony that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Start Small: Begin with a small garden bed, raised planter, or even pots and containers to keep things manageable.
Select Your Plants: Opt for easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs like tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and peppers for your first garden.
Embrace Mistakes: Remember that gardening is a learning process, and mistakes are natural. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn.
Have Fun: Above all, enjoy your gardening adventure! Enjoy the process of nurturing plants and watching them grow!
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