This post may contain affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase from a link on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our entire disclaimer here.
For many, gardening has been a quiet corner of the world where stress seems to melt away, leaving room for peace and productivity. It provides a unique therapeutic experience that can significantly impact managing ADHD symptoms.
My journey with gardening began as a mere curiosity, but it quickly evolved into a vital part of my ADHD management strategy. Here, I will tell you how gardening can help with ADHD in adults.
Click Here to Join the Mothering the Storm Facebook Group! An Encouragement Group For Parents who have ADHD and are also caring for an ADHD Child!
Enhances Focus and Concentration
One of the core challenges of ADHD is maintaining focus on current activities. Gardening requires attention to detail, from sowing seeds to monitoring plant growth. This gentle demand for focus trains the ADHD brain to sustain concentration over longer periods, providing a natural setting for practicing attention management skills.
Provides a Sense of Achievement
If you’re like me, completing tasks provides a significant challenge, which sometimes leads to frustration. Gardening, however, allows for short-term and long-term goal setting with clear and tangible results. Whether it’s the sprouting of seeds or the blooming of flowers, each milestone in the garden is a rewarding achievement that boosts your self-esteem and motivation.
Improves Physical Health
ADHD in adults often coincides with sedentary lifestyles and health issues such as obesity. One of the main benefits of gardening for adults with ADHD is that it provides a physically engaging activity that promotes a healthier lifestyle. It involves various physical tasks that can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, addressing the physical side of well-being.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The therapeutic qualities of being in nature and engaging with soil are extremely beneficial. For me and other adults with ADHD, the calming effect of gardening activities can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. The rhythmic nature of gardening tasks like weeding or planting can serve as a meditative practice, promoting mental calmness.
Encourages Better Eating Habits
When you’re involved in the process of growing your own food, you’re more likely to develop an interest in eating what you grow. For adults with ADHD who may struggle with healthy eating habits, gardening can encourage a more natural and wholesome diet. Growing your own vegetables ensures you have fresh produce and fosters a connection to your food that can inspire better eating choices.
If you want to try this process like me, there are several factors you must consider when planning a garden to ensure you get the best results. Incorporating gardening into your lifestyle can be a powerful complement to traditional ADHD management strategies. If you’ve been looking for a way to manage your symptoms more naturally, consider getting your hands dirty in the garden.
