Gardening can help fight depression

Depression is a fairly common complaint when we are disadvantaged by the climate and are experiencing economic difficulties as many of us can empathise with across the UK.

Fortunately, for the most part sufferers have what is referred to as mild depression which can come and go and is in the main a manageable complaint.

February is often one of the hardest months and especially now when everyone is feeling the pinch financially; it can be truly difficult to stay positive.

It can also be challenging to find ways to lift your head when money is tight.

One of the most therapeutic activities is to go into your garden between showers if you’re quick and take a good look to see what is growing. About now all the spring snowdrops and daffodils will be starting to poke their little green heads above the soil.

The idea of gardening as a therapy is gaining high-profile backing from other quarters. The TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh has hailed horticulture for being “great as a therapy” that can “make a real difference to people’s lives”.

Just seeing new growth is such a hopeful thing, reminding us that winter will end, hopefully sooner rather than later.

And tidying up in the winter garden is very therapeutic. The physical activity encourages the release of endorphins, our happy hormones that give a natural mood boost.

Author: Robert Smith