Tuesday 01 May 2018
Robyn Volkers – Maggie's
As well as being enjoyable, gardening can be good for you. Studies have shown that gardening improves general health, and can help reduce both stress and anxiety. It can refocus attention when we feel overwhelmed, boost mood and improve balance.
In terms of exercise, as long as you avoid heavy digging, landscaping etc. and being out in very hot temperatures, gardening can be great low impact exercise for during and after cancer treatment. It can be something to do for anyone convalescing from surgery, between or after treatments as garden tasks come in all shapes and sizes.
It can be a way of being sociable whilst also having a task to focus on and, as it is enjoyable, it's an activity that is likely to be continued.
Maggie’s centres are generally set in beautiful gardens. We recognise that the space around us (whether inside or out) creates an environment which helps our visitors to find the emotional space they need
If you don’t have your own garden you could try gardening on a small scale using containers and window boxes. There are also a growing number of community groups gardening in social spaces or there may be a gardening for health group near you.
Gardening can be a great way to relax whilst also getting some exercise. A few precautions are advised, particularly if you are at the mid point between cycles of chemotherapy. Your immune system will be low and you can be susceptible to infections.
Houseplants are also good for your health.They ‘breathe’ in the opposite way to us taking in the carbon dioxide that we breathe out and turning it into oxygen - they are natural air cleaners. Having living plants around the home or workplace has been shown to improve air quality, mood, concentration, the ability to tolerate pain and to reduce stress and fatigue (tiredness).
Shinrin-yoku is traditionally practiced in Japan. In recent years there has been increased interest in its benefits in the UK. It literally translates as 'forest bathing'. It involves simply being in forested areas, noticing what you can see, hear, smell and touch. Studies have shown that even a few minutes of forest bathing can reduce levels of stress and improve concentration.
You may like to find out more about including gardening in your life in a way that is manageable to you. You can find out more from the links below and also the books listed in the gardening and Health blog.
Visit your local ҹɫֱ²¥ centre. Most of our centres have gardens and some have gardening groups.
Last review: Nov 2021 | Next review: Nov 2022
Information about reducing the risk of infection from gardening and housekeeping during treatment for cancer.
From 3 Steps Forward
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Read more about the evidence based benefits of gardening for health.
From Grow Places
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Article on choosing houseplants for health.
From Interflora
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
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