Gardens of Ease
It’s been said that nature heals. Studies and related findings point to the benefits of spending time in natural surroundings, including lowered anxiety and stress levels. Nature-oriented therapy is a growing field (pun intended) with the use of therapeutic gardens in institutional settings such as hospitals, recovery and correctional facilities are on the rise. Individuals, too, can benefit by increased exposure to natural elements as part of their wellness protocols.
According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, a therapeutic garden is defined as “a plant-dominated environment purposefully designed to facilitate interaction with the healing elements of nature. Interaction can be passive or active depending on the garden design and users’ needs.” Garden activities are meant to provide experiences that give participants a sense of space and refuge.
For those who are ill, recovering from injury or suffering from anxiety-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, therapeutic gardens can be helpful to help them focus on something controllable (nurturing or enjoying plant life) instead of the uncontrollable (their health-related treatments). Gardens can also be motivational, such as having a goal to walk the paths through the garden for someone recovering from a bed-ridden illness.
Facilities that cater to the aging population, such as nursing homes, assisted-living residences and retirement communities, have been increasingly focused on incorporating plants, wildlife and natural elements into their landscapes. In addition, complementary programming is sometimes incorporated to engage residents through activities such as vegetable and herb gardening techniques and bird-watching.
The benefits of being in such an environment can include a positive impact in mental outlook, social interaction and spiritual connection. For participants who have the ability and opportunity to actually work in a garden can further benefit by developing motor skills and coordination as well as mental concentration and physical stamina.
Therapeutic gardening is not only for the infirm, incarcerated and aging populations. You can benefit from incorporating a nature break into your wellness routine in the following ways:
Mind – Nature can act as a wonderful buffer from daily stressors. A simple house or office plant can be tended and nurtured. Witnessing the growth and sensual elements of a plant or fountain can enhance your sense of peace and well-being.
Body – The outdoors can increase vitality and the feeling of aliveness through nature walks and hikes with exposure to natural healing elements such as the sun. Forest bathing, which is comprised of meditative walks in natural surroundings focused on sensory experience rather than destination, is also an option.
Spirit – Meditation and mindfulness practices can be heightened in a natural setting. Something as simple as stepping outside for a brief walking meditation or taking a few minutes to look at the stars are wonderful ways to feel a connection with a force larger than ourselves.
I look forward to the day when doctors take out their prescription pads and write a script for nature breaks as a normal practice for encouraging wellness. In the meantime, how might you write your own?
Journal Reflections: How might you write your own prescription for a nature break? What activities would it include? What can you do this week to incorporate more interaction with natural healing elements?