“Yard work allows us time to not think and focus on the task at hand,” says psychotherapist Kathryn Smerling. “You don’t have to talk or worry about others for a bit, and can focus purely on you.” Interestingly, spending time alone can also ramp up our creativity. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications found that when people were alone they experienced an increase in imagination. The idea is that reduced social stimulation allows the brain to hone in on creative energy. Science tells us that exercise doesn’t just offer a quick “runner’s high,”. It can also help manage feelings of depression and anxiety over the long term. Of course, exercise is important for our physical health, as well. When we feel better physically this can help us feel better mentally. Research also tells us that spending time outside can reduce stress levels, improve our sleep quality, and minimize symptoms of anxiety and depression. “Being outside is a sensory experience. It allows you to focus on your breathing and the simple things in life,” notes Dr. Smerling. “It also gets us away from everyday triggers of stress, including work, screens, and anything that could be causing you anxiety.” “With gardening or other yard work, you can help things grow and see something you’re directly impacting,” says Dr. Smerling. “It can be very healing.” Generally speaking, creating and working toward goals has a positive effect on our mental well-being. Maintaining a beautiful yard is a goal in and of itself, and watching that goal come to life in front of us can feel very rewarding and empowering. If you live in a city setting or don’t have access to a yard, you can still reap the above benefits by working in a community garden, cultivating plants within your home. or offering to help a friend with their yard. Or you can simply take regular strolls through the nearest park or green space, which can promote many of the same mental health benefits as yard work.
