Mood Boosting Planting - Tips on Gardening with Depression & Low Energy

If you’re feeling down it can be a struggle to find the energy for everyday tasks never mind extra hobbies, but spending just a little time gardening can provide lots of therapeutic benefits. Here’s a few simple ideas to help you create a lovely and low-maintenance garden, windowsill box or patio container that can provide a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, and connection with nature.

1. Start small:

   Don't overwhelm yourself with a large project. Start with something simple like or a few potted plants or a small garden boarder. This can help you build confidence, get used to the routine of gardening and hopefully enjoy it and want to continue. If you’re having a really bad time with energy levels consider plants that are easy to care for and don't require a lot of attention, such as succulents or herbs. These plants can thrive in a variety of conditions and won't require a lot of water or upkeep but still provide lots of benefits just by having some greenery in your space.

2. Create a routine

   If you can, set aside a specific time each day or week to tend to your garden. Having a routine can help you stay motivated and make gardening a regular part of your self-care. This can also help you establish a sense of structure and routine, which can be beneficial for managing depression or low energy.

3. Focus on the process, not the outcome

   Gardening is a slow process, and it's important to enjoy the journey rather than focus solely on the end result. Celebrate small accomplishments and progress, such as the first sprouts or flowers, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

4. Use gardening as therapy

   Gardening has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. Use your time in the garden as a way to unwind and connect with nature. Focus on the sights, smells, and sounds around you and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.

5. Do your own thing

   Don’t get caught up in thinking things have to be done a certain way. Use whatever time, energy and resources you have available. Any gardening is mood-boosting and you don’t need to expend too much energy to get the rewards. It could be as simple as spotting a packet of seeds in the supermarket and just having a go at sowing them in the garden or a container and seeing what happens. It could mean you pick up a potted plant and repotting it in a nicer pot. You don’t need special tools, you can use old yoghurt pots or the cardboard inners of toilet roll to sow seeds. If you haven’t got the energy to wander around shops there are lots of lovely online garden centres.

6. Quick wins

   Buying mature plants that already look nice and just need planting in the garden or maintaining in a pot is the quickest win to get you started in the garden when you can’t be bothered with much more. If you’re feeling up for having a go at growing your own plants from scratch, starting with those that are the easiest to grow from seed is a good idea. Some great choices would be (these also have the bonus of being great for bees and butterflies too):

   • Sunflowers

   • Nasturtiums

   • Sweet peas

7. Plants with purpose

   If you’re feeling a little more adventurous consider choosing plants that will have a double-mood boosting effect. All plants have purpose but you can choose types that will be most beneficial to you. You might want to focus on plants that are known for their mood-boosting properties, some lovely options would be:

   • Lavender (known to help reduce stress and anxiety)

   • Chamomile: (aids sleep and reduces stress)

   • Roses: (mood-boosting flowers that promotes relaxation)

   Again, all those plants are great for pollinators like bees and butterflies and these may also help to give you the boost you need to get out in to the garden. Creating habitats for bees and other wildlife can be a really good motivator to start, and continue, with your gardening. If you have a difficult time to find the energy to do things for yourself, consider this gardening time as something you’re doing to help nature. Some pollinator favourites include:

   • Lavender

   • Roses

   • Foxglove

   • Verbena

   • Common poppy

   • Ox-eye daisy

   • Catmint

   • Honeysuckle

   • Rosemary

   • Thyme

   Gardening can be a lovely tool for self-care, providing a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, and connection with nature. By starting small, going at your own pace and choosing plants that are easy to care for, mood-boosting, and great for attracting pollinators, you can create a low-energy garden that benefits you and wildlife.