Gardening has always been a popular hobby and in 2020, seed companies from all over the world reported a significant increase in sales. What was once a hobby has grown to become a lifestyle for people of all ages. Gardening has multiple benefits for the body and mind. For those in addiction recovery, gardening can be extremely beneficial. It allows you to have a positive outlet to help you on your journey towards sobriety. Here’s how gardening can help you heal during addiction recovery.
It teaches you about living a healthy lifestyle.
Gardening encourages you to live more healthfully, as it’s a hobby that enables you to grow your own food. Eating fresh produce improves nutrition, which is essential to recovery. The vitamins and minerals from beans, leafy vegetables, or root crops can help your body systems to function normally. Moreover, gardening allows you to live a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing your food miles and increasing your knowledge of seasonality in produce. Doing eco-friendly gardening activities such as composting and recycling garden waste also enables you to do some good for the environment and reduce organic waste.
It can improve your mood.
Studies have shown that gardening can help to alleviate stress and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. These are often experienced by those who are working towards sobriety. It can also improve your overall well-being. Research shows that being outdoors, especially in green spaces, can have a positive effect on your mood. Even just 20 minutes spent planting, pulling weeds, or harvesting produce can help you to have a positive outlook. Feeling happier, in turn, reduces reliance on medication or self-harming behavior while working your way towards healing. Moreover, gardening can boost your confidence, as it gives you a feeling of accomplishment, and relieve feelings of anger or sadness.
It helps you get a good workout.
Gardening isn’t only an ideal way to enhance your mental health while in recovery. It can also be a good workout and help improve your physical fitness. Doing various gardening activities in your yard for 30 to 45 minutes can burn as much as 300 calories. It can also improve your overall strength, endurance, flexibility and mobility. Since it’s a good workout, it can also help to improve your sleep quality. Sleep is often affected during active alcohol or substance use and during the withdrawal period.
Gardening is a lovely pastime that can be beneficial for recovery. Try planting a few vegetables or flowers in your yard, or start container gardening to improve your physical and mental health. You may be surprised at how much better you feel after engaging in this healthful hobby while working towards sobriety. Discovery for yourself how gardening can help you heal during addiction recovery.
