I found another hobby of mine to be a type of therapy. Have you ever heard of someone using horticultural therapy for their mental health?
Horticultural Therapy (HT), also known as garden therapy, is an ancient practice specialized in plants and plant-based activities for the purpose of human healing and rehabilitation. HT programs are found in a wide variety of healthcare, rehabilitative, and residential settings. Most of the programs are professional guided. Mental health programs that involve gardening have shown a tremendous improvement with psychiatric symptoms. American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) has a database of horticultural therapist that can be found on their website here. They have programs all over the United States.
The history behind this type of therapy begins around 2000 BC with the Mesopotamians. Around 500 BC, the Persians created glorious gardens to calm the senses with the beauty of flowers. However, the Egyptians were the first culture to prescribe walks through a garden for mental health. It was not until the 1800s when Dr. Benjamin Rush was the first modern documentation of horticulture to be used as a treatment for mental health. Throughout the years, various cultures have adapted a form of Horticultural therapy in some way. Today, HT is practiced in many countries and areas of the world.
Horticultural Therapy has many benefits. It increases a sense of tranquility, spirituality, and enjoyment. HT can stabilize your moods and improve social skills. It promotes emotional growth and can help reduce stress. In some patients, it has been proven to help with memory and cognition. These are just some of the benefits of Horticultural Therapy.
I am grateful for this type of therapy. HT forces me to go outside and get fresh air with some sun. I am a houseplant. I must have water and sunlight to survive. Therefore, it helps improve my mood when I am in a low. I use this time outside in my small patio garden as time for myself. I am alone to meditate and reflect. What will you use Horticultural Therapy for?
For more information on Horticultural Therapy, please visit American Horticultural Therapy Association.
♡ nekolily's blog ♡ 