"Speak with Ravi Shah, the Graduate, About His Garden"
Gardening: A Stress-Busting, Mood-Boosting Activity for Students
Gardening can offer a multitude of benefits for students navigating the challenges of the school year. From reducing stress levels to improving mental health, the practice of tending to plants can provide a much-needed respite in the midst of academic pressures.
The tactile, repetitive nature of gardening encourages mindfulness and calms the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and cortisol levels. This activity promotes emotional balance by activating brain areas responsible for calm thinking and emotional regulation. Additionally, gardening can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose, which is particularly beneficial for undergraduates facing stress and emotional fatigue.
According to a recent poll, 46% of students answered that they did not garden while they were in school. However, of those who did, 78% wished they had taken up the hobby. Ravi Shah, a recent graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in finance, is one of the many students who wishes he had started gardening earlier. Now working with Gardenuity, Ravi has found gardening to play a larger role in his daily life since graduating.
For students living in dorm rooms or apartments, small-scale garden setups suitable for limited space include indoor container gardens, window sill gardens, vertical gardens, terrariums, hydroponic or soil-less kits, and small raised beds or portable garden boxes on balconies or shared rooftop gardens. These versatile options make it feasible to experience the emotional and mental health benefits of gardening while managing space constraints typical in student housing.
Ravi recommends finding time in your day to appreciate the patience required in gardening, not just with your garden, but also with yourself. He has learned from his garden that good things take time to grow, a lesson he applies to his own personal growth.
Gardening can also help students absorb information better and cope with stress. In fact, working in a garden between classes or lectures can increase the likelihood of remembering information. For those who are new to gardening, Gardenuity offers garden kits that are perfect for beginners and ideal for dorm rooms or apartments.
Despite the potential challenges of starting a garden, the benefits far outweigh the stress. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, taking the time to nurture a garden can provide a moment of peace, help clear your mind, and boost your mood. So why not give it a try? You might just find that gardening becomes an essential part of your self-care routine.
[1] Healthline (2021). The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/mental-health-benefits-gardening
[2] The Spruce (2021). 10 Small-Space Gardening Ideas for Apartment Dwellers. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/small-space-gardening-ideas-for-apartment-dwellers-1398280
[3] Mind (2021). The benefits of gardening for mental health. [online] Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/activities-to-help-you-feel-good/the-benefits-of-gardening-for-mental-health/
[4] Modern Farmer (2019). 10 Easy Container Gardening Ideas for Small Spaces. [online] Available at: https://modernfarmer.com/2019/04/easy-container-gardening-ideas-small-spaces/
[5] American Psychological Association (2015). Stress in America: The Impact on Mental Health. [online] Available at: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2015/report-stress-impact-mental-health
- Incorporating gardening into their lifestyle can help students manage their stress levels, improve their mental health, and contribute to their personal growth.
- To maximize the benefits of gardening while living in small spaces, students can consider setting up indoor container gardens, vertical gardens, or hydroponic or soil-less kits, which are suitable for limited space and can be placed in dorm rooms or apartament balconies.
- Engaging in gardening activities can boost self-esteem, provide a sense of purpose, and promote emotional balance, thereby enabling students to cope better with the pressures and emotional fatigue associated with academic life.
- Not only can gardening activities help students learn and retain information more effectively, but also they can find opportunities for education and self-development by exploring various gardening resources online or through beginner-friendly garden kits offered by companies like Gardenuity.
