Time for another round of anxiety relaxation tips! Once again, these will be anxiety relaxation tips that have or are working for me, so these won’t work for everyone. However, I encourage you to try these things and see if they help!

Today’s anxiety relaxation tip is gardening. If you have the time and the patience, gardening is not only rewarding, but it is also therapeutic. There’s something about giving life to and growing something from so small a seed that makes this one of my top anxiety relaxation tips. It’s a special feeling to watch a seed you’ve planted sprout into a full-grown, tender-leafed plant. It’s a state of zen when you’re digging in the earth, smelling the fresh grass and dirt, listening to the sounds of nature as you plant. I’m fortunate enough to live on a lake with a garden near the shore, so the gentle splash of waves on sand and rock make my gardening experience particularly peaceful.

If you don’t have a garden by the sea (or lake, in my case), don’t worry! Gardening is just as rewarding whether it’s outdoors or indoors. There are quite a few ways to garden. No matter your living situation, gardening is possible in any space.

Here are a few gardening methods I like:

1. Organic gardening – This type of gardening involves no chemicals or sprays, and is probably the most challenging. Organic gardening takes a lot of work, and you’ll constantly be fighting bugs and pests. I tried this once and failed to keep bunnies and squirrels from chomping my poor plants to bits, but my garden wasn’t properly covered and fenced, so don’t be discouraged by my experience. However, do invest in high-quality fencing or a greenhouse cover to keep critters out. If you can’t afford to buy fencing or covers, this tutorial shows you how you can make your own hoop greenhouse that slides open and closed!
2. Container Gardening – Container gardening is good for smaller backyards, but it does require at least some space for larger containers. It’s also a good alternative method if the soil in your yard is difficult to cultivate. Container gardening allows you to bring your plants indoors if the weather turns harsh, or if you just don’t want the wildlife munching on your plants at night. Although you may think container gardening would require buying a lot of pots and planters, the truth is that you can use common household objects like mason jars and pails. I’m growing cilantro and mint in some mason jars after being inspired by this DIY project on Pinterest.

   

Indoor Gardening – This is by far the safest and easiest way to garden, but don’t expect to grow a year’s supply of vegetables indoors, especially if you live in a small space. This gardening technique is a great solution for anyone that doesn’t have a backyard or outdoor space for planting. This is basically a more compact version of container gardening, and most people grow small potted plants or kitchen herbs that require little space and little light. I’ve started all my vegetables indoors in small pots or old ice cube trays before transplanting them to a container, which will eventually be transplanted to my lakeside garden, so I’m combining all three methods. My greatest achievement in indoor gardening is my cactus, Pete. I’ve had him since 2nd grade, and the fact that he’s thrived in Minnesota is a great achievement for me. I realize I’ll have to release him into the wilds of the Arizona desert someday, but I’ll enjoy his company for a few more decades before that happens. 😉

 

Other gardening methods include hydroponic gardening (water-based gardening), raised bed gardening, and community gardening (where you buy a plot). Any of these are stress-relieving, and I highly recommend giving it a shot! There are even plants that benefit your health simply by having them in your house. The Peace Lily, Asparagus Fern, and English Ivy plants all help to clean indoor air and reduce pollutants within your home that can cause allergies and colds. For more information on health benefits of plants in your home, click here.

Those who suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, or any other form of mental illness, can all benefit from gardening. It helps relieve stress and improve your overall mental health, and it can be considered exercise (trust me, it’s a workout)! I hope you can benefit from gardening like I do. It’s a great way to de-stress and detox! Try it and let me know what you think! Here are some tips for getting started.

Have you ever tried gardening? How has it helped you? Tell us your story in the comments section below! Comments are always appreciated.