Miami.- The environmental practice of growing a garden generates benefits Because, apart from being a sustainable food source and becoming a friendly response with the environment, it is an invaluable ally for mental health.
Psychologist Hilari Torres, interviewed by Las Américas Diario, He shares this theory and also ensures that many more benefits for human being are obtained from home orchards.
With this initiative “stress is reduced, because gardening, in general, it is a relaxing activity that allows connecting with nature and disconnecting with anxiety. In turn, it helps improve moodbecause contact with the earth and plants stimulate the release of endorphins, ”he added.
Endorphins They are substances that occur in the brain to relieve pain, in addition to generating well -being and pleasure. They are known as “happiness hormones” and are considered natural analgesics, said Hilari Torres.
Benefits
- They relieve pain
- They reduce stress
- They improve mood
- They mitigate pain and trigger a general sensation of euphoria
- They delay the appearance of fatigue
- They strengthen the immune system.
On the contrary, The absence or deficiency of endorphins can produce states of depression and/or emotional imbalance, so this activity of growing orchards has become so popular in consultations.
For the specialist, “seeing the plants of a garden grow and harvesting their own food generates a feeling of satisfaction which helps increase self -esteem and foster a sense of belonging.”
“Taking care of a garden is an experience that nourishes all the senses. The connection with nature or the ecosystem, the approach in the present and the enjoyment of the aromas, views and sounds generate a deep relaxation, positively stimulating mental health, ”Torres said.
Reported studies indicate that physical and emotional health is closely related to environmental factors From the environment and the fact that a person raises and see the crops grow, it helps to feel calmer and relaxed, promoting an increase in mental and emotional well -being, he insisted.
Patients refer a pleasant sensation of personal satisfaction, relaxation, decrease in stress and anxiety, stimulating concentration. The feelings of loneliness decrease helping to face life positively.
Other benefits
- Family time
- Learn new things
- If there are children, they will understand the importance of caring for the environment
- Ideal as well -being activity for older people.
And in patients …
It has been proven that there are benefits in patients who present mental illnesses to work in home orchards.
They sleep bettercan, in many cases, reduce the medication they are taking and even reduce their hospitalization episodes.
When taking care of the orchards, all the senses are activated And being focused on the present produces a relaxation effect, said the expert.
Similarly, the mood is improved and they remain happier over time, causing them to feel optimistic and with more confidence of themselves. “In general, it helps improve the quality of life and the sense of commitment to a goal. ”
See how the work done (sowing) thrives, generates a lot of enthusiasm. When assuming as a responsibility there is concentration and perseverance for the achievement of a common objective, promoting the development of values, which optimizes skills.
Therapeutic orchard
There are foundations that work with the concept of “therapeutic garden” For people with mental health problems.
To work in favor of the autonomy of people and their quality of life through the improvement of employability and psychosocial well -being, with the orchards they propose The following specific objectives:
- Improve health habits
- Favor emotional well -being
- Expand social relations
- Increase competencies.
A garden offers positive vision towards the futurebecause the value and commitment are experienced to become a life project that fills with satisfaction, The psychologist Hilari Torres concluded.
