# Gardening as a Natural Remedy in Our Digital Era
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Chapter 1: The Therapeutic Essence of Gardening
"All that slows us down and cultivates patience, everything that brings us back to the natural cycles, serves as a blessing." — May Sarton
Humans have coexisted with nature for thousands of years, and it's clear that our relationship with the environment positively influences both our physical and mental well-being. Our bodies and minds are intricately linked to the natural world, shaped by the long arc of evolution, which emphasizes the mutual benefits of this connection. This fundamental bond elucidates why engaging with nature has significant effects on our health, effects that became even more evident during the isolation of the COVID pandemic. Many found solace in gardens and parks, leading even advanced societies to recommend nature, particularly through gardening, as a form of therapy.
Related post: 5 effective ways to embark on a digital detox
Spending time in natural settings, such as gardens, is known to reduce stress, resulting in benefits like lower blood pressure, diminished anxiety, and improved mood. Gardens offer a soothing atmosphere that helps us reset our overwhelmed minds in an increasingly fast-paced digital society. This connection to nature is not merely a luxury; rather, it is an essential aspect of our lives, deeply embedded in our DNA.
Interestingly, despite our differences, humans share about 20–25% of our DNA with carrots. This shared genetic code is a reminder of the common ancestry linking all life on Earth, underscoring the deep connections between various species.
Moreover, the serenity and beauty of natural environments can spark creativity and provide a peaceful setting for reflection. Ultimately, our bond with nature represents our shared history, playing a vital role in our mental and physical health.
Chapter 1.1: A Personal Gardening Journey
At 23, while studying at the University of Ottawa, I received a diagnosis of depression. The concept of such a complex condition being simplified into a label felt inadequate. My doctor, a vegetarian with a strong perspective on mental health, suggested I focus on dietary changes before considering medication. He hypothesized that my mood might be affected by an iron deficiency, common among temporary vegetarians. At that time, I was navigating a vegetarian lifestyle, eating sporadically without a proper routine.
On another occasion, I bumped into my doctor, who recommended a new vegetarian restaurant he had discovered, which even non-vegetarians enjoyed. I began eating there regularly and attempted to replicate those meals at home as I shifted towards a meat-free lifestyle. This brief phase of vegetarianism was part of my search for meaning at 23. Eating at the Green Door restaurant revitalized my energy levels and helped me recover from what felt like a low point in my life.
Fast forward to age 29, and I found myself once again grappling with depression. This time, it manifested differently. I felt overwhelmed with emotions, often wanting to cry unexpectedly—whether in a store, my car, or on the highway. Life felt chaotic, fueled by the increasing demands of technology in my work life.
During those challenging times, particularly in summer, I instinctively gravitated toward my garden after long, exhausting days. My garden, filled mainly with summer vegetables, became my sanctuary. Over time, I realized that I was mentally gardening even during mundane tasks like driving or showering. The need to physically engage with the soil helped alleviate my anxiety, transforming my mindset and healing me in unexpected ways.
As winter approached, I found joy in watching "Gardeners World" and supplementing my indoor gardening activities. Gardening emerged as a crucial tool for my mental well-being, serving as an antidote to the stresses of a technology-driven life. The act of nurturing plants not only elevated my mood but also provided a sense of structure to my day, which greatly contributed to my mental health.
Section 1.2: Finding Balance in a Digital World
Last winter, I taught a third-year course on Information Design, where I included Paula Scher as a significant figure in the curriculum. As the first woman to design graphics professionally, Scher revolutionized design in the 1990s with her vibrant typographic maps, blending art and typography. Her work served as an antidote to the increasing digitization of the design field, resonating with my own experiences of feeling alienated from my work due to automation.
Gardening became my own remedy. Scher’s quest for analog balance parallels the essence of gardening, where hands-on engagement transcends mere activity, evolving into a form of artistic expression. Much like Scher’s maps serve a greater purpose than mere navigation, gardening is more than cultivating plants; it’s a creative and therapeutic journey that nurtures us, offering balance in our tech-saturated lives.
Chapter 2: The Healing Power of Gardening
Gardening, often perceived as a simple and traditional pastime, holds immense potential for alleviating modern stressors, particularly those arising from our tech-heavy lifestyles. Engaging in gardening offers a therapeutic escape, grounding us in the physical world and fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.
The benefits of gardening in reducing anxiety and stress are multifaceted. Here are several key factors contributing to its effectiveness as a remedy in our digital age:
- Connection to Nature: Immersion in natural settings diminishes negative emotions such as anger and fear while enhancing positive feelings. Gardening fosters a deeper relationship with the environment.
- Mindfulness: During the pandemic, my garden became a destination for many in my community. I observed how even a casual stroll by my garden prompted passersby to slow down. Engaging in gardening promotes mindfulness, redirecting attention away from stressors and towards the wonders of nature.
- Physical Activity: Gardening is a workout in disguise—bending, lifting, and pruning all contribute to gentle exercise, which is beneficial for both young and old. Physical activity is well-documented as an effective way to reduce anxiety and depression.
- Nurturing and Growth: Caring for plants and witnessing their growth instills a sense of purpose and accomplishment. My plants, much like pets, require care, reminding me of life’s cycles and fostering positive psychological effects.
- Sensory Engagement: Gardening engages all the senses—the scent of soil, the sounds of nature, the sight of greenery, the textures of leaves, and the flavors of fresh produce. This multisensory experience is grounding and calming.
- Creative Expression: Gardening allows for creative outlet, whether through designing a space or imagining future blooms. The satisfaction derived from this process is therapeutic and fulfilling.
- Community Interaction: Living in a small city, I cherish the connections formed with neighbors and children who gather to pick fruits from my garden. Gardening often becomes a communal activity, alleviating feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
Understanding why gardening serves as a remedy for digital-induced stress necessitates recognizing the importance of balance in our lives. As technology continues to dominate our existence, gardening offers a peaceful, grounding experience that is often missing in our fast-paced, digital lives. Even without a backyard, consider tending to a few indoor plants this winter; they will nurture you as you care for them.
About the Author
Hello, I’m Kem-Laurin, co-founder of Human Tech Futures and a doctoral candidate at the University of Waterloo. My research explores identity construction through contemporary case studies, examining how citizens' data is collected and used. My goal is to develop a critical understanding that informs heuristic principles for AI design systems, drawing from my experience as a Principal HCD Strategist and Design Thinking Coach. I have worked with design teams at Blackberry and Siemens, and I enjoy creating layered gardens while my 135-pound German Shepherd looks on. I am fortunate to have traveled extensively, experiencing diverse human stories, and I actively mentor students and budding researchers committed to making a positive impact.