Stress is detrimental to our health and well-being, which is why it’s important that we work toward reducing stress and reversing its effects by treating the “inner self.” One way to take care of our inner self and support our immune and digestive systems, which are also negatively impacted by processed foods and environmental toxins, is to spend time in nature. By creating a garden environment that provides a space for relaxation and rejuvenation, you can reduce stress and enjoy a multitude of health benefits.
Whether it’s a work deadline or a trying relationship, daily stressors raise the cortisol level in your blood resulting in a domino effect of issues that contribute to aging and, in turn, quality of life. But a calming environment such as a garden can help you to relax, lower your blood pressure and reduce the cortisol level in your blood.
Spending time in a beautiful natural environment also activates your senses and releases Endorphins in your body. These feel-good hormones have the power to reduce the need for medications that alleviate pain and other ailments.
A vegetable garden will not only give you organic produce but a chance to intimately connect with nature. CNN recently reported on a new study that suggests gardening as one of the most effective leisure activities for relaxing and relieving stress. In addition to being a great gentle exercise, “The sensory experience of gardening ‘allows people to connect to this primal state,'” as founder and executive director of Urban GreenWorks, James Jiler, told CNN.
But even if you aren’t a gardener, a landscape that allows you to interact with nature can still be significantly beneficial to your mental and physical health. Your landscape, for instance, could have lush pathways that allow you to brush up against plants or a bird feeder that allows you to observe animals in nature.
Better yet, your landscape can be designed to include a sauna or spa that is not only luxurious but advantageous to your mental health.
Dargan Landscape Architects can help you transform landscapes to become a stress-busting havens for relaxation, health and well-being. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you create a stress-free zone on your property. Or learn more about how to turn your yard into a relaxing oasis through our PlaceMakers system, or through Mary Palmer’s book, Lifelong Landscape Design.
