THE NATURAL ANTIDEPRESSANT
How to chill without a pill and reset your psychic balance? Try zen and the art of cabbage-patch maintenance. By Shanthini Naidoo
Dig in your garden by day, even if you can’t water it till night
T HE health effects of gardening go beyond treating your body to fresh, wholesome organic produce — it’s also good for your head. It is all about taking the time to enjoy the surroundings.
Several scientific studies have heralded the healthy physical benefits of gardening, such as lowering blood pressure and increased brain activity.
But for the mind, gardening is said to combat stress and anxiety, and to alleviate depression.
Research by UK economist and behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan found that gardeners and florists are the happiest workers, more so than people in better paid or “more prestigious jobs”.
The Japanese have long done gardening as a type of meditation, a zen activity that encourages being in the present moment.
Even having freshcut flowers in the home makes people feel more compassionate towards others and reduces anxiety, said Dr Nancy Etcoff, who conducted a behavioural research study for Harvard Medical School.
Another Norwegian study of people diagnosed with depression, persistent low mood or bipolar disorder asked participants to spend six hours a week growing flowers and vegetables.
After three months, half the participants experienced a measurable improvement in symptoms. This mood persisted three months after the programme ended.
With this in mind, the team of gardeners at the bountiful Babylonstoren farm near Paarl in the Western Cape have conceived the idea of a national garden day, to be held on the second Sunday in October every year.
This year, October 9 has been dedicated as the day to sit down and appreciate your garden.
Babylonstoren head gardener Gundula Deutschlander said: “We want everyone to stop mulching and weeding, and enjoy this day in your own backyard, at your neighbour’s urban farm, or even on a balcony with geraniums overlooking the city.
“Gardening even helps to calm prisoners. People who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and the same is true for kids who garden at home or at school.
“It doesn’t really matter what size your garden is. What’s important is to appreciate your very own version of a planted paradise and share it with friends and neighbours.”