The practice that increases women’s happiness as much as walking or going out to dinner, according to Princeton

The happiness can be grown, literally. And, in the case of women, even more so. They have shown that researchers of Princetonthat, after studying 15 different activities carried out by women, they found that only gardening and home gardening provide as many emotional benefits (or happiness) as walk or go out to dinner. According to one of its authors, Anu Ramaswami, professor of civil and environmental engineering and Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI), “home gardening and horticulture provides us with the health of fresh fruits and vegetables, promotes physical activity, and supports emotional well-being.” Kate Middleton She has been a great lover of gardening for years and it is no coincidence that she has chosen this activity as adjuvant mental therapy to face the challenge of recovering from the cancer that is currently being treated.

No pool or views… If you are going to rent a summer house, make sure it has a garden!

Maybe you don’t have your own garden but in summer it is easy to access them in rural and rental houses. It may be a good time to enjoy gardening or horticulture. “One does not have the same experience of the garden as an agent subject as as a patient subject or, to put it more clearly, as a gardener and craftsman as as a spectator and walker,” explains the professor of philosophy and sociology Santiago Beruete– While for the first the manipulations of the physical environment and the organization of space represent a means of expression of their individuality, for the other the garden constitutes above all a living work of art, a vegetal text endowed with rich symbology, which is offers the reading of sensitivity and intelligence. The gardens tell a story to the visitor who converses with them in an act of co-creation. AND sightseeing for that “nature made word and word made nature” represents, apart from a dialogic exercise, a celebration of here and now and a mode of elevation of the self. Going out to the garden always means entering into ourselves“.

The activity that increases women’s emotional well-being and happiness as much as walking

“It’s time to stop and look”. He poem by Welshman WH Davies reminds us of the importance of spend time on leisure activities That allow us live the moment intensely. It may be the best philosophy to have that better life that we so long for. After a course of haste and speed, the arrival of the summer tells us about slowing down, to slow down the pace at which we live. To the extent that you train yourself in this mentality and attitude, you will better survive the return of September. Science has shown that gardening is a real brain exerciseto train slowness. The so-called reflective gardening is its current expression.

“Besides, the gardening cultivate many of the virtues associated since time immemorial with the Good Life, such as perseverance, patience, humility and gratitude“explains Beruete, author of books such as Verdolatry, Learners, a piece of land either Gardensophy. And he adds: “Gardening and philosophy each restore our trust in the world in their own way.they renew us inside and revitalize our energies to the point of making our existence more pleasant and reflective.” Furthermore, “gardens are associated in people’s minds with experiences such as calm, silence, serenity and other essential ingredients in the recipe welfare and of well be. But in addition to providing sensory pleasure and mental relaxation, they bring spiritual and moral rewards. It is known that contact with nature produces a beneficial, calming and regenerating effect“.

3 keys to thoughtful gardening: curiosity, patience and attention

Don’t you know anything about gardening? In thoughtful gardening, nothing happens if you don’t know how to plant flowers or sow seeds, even if you are going to do it. you can go gaining skill while practicing it. In reality, the only important thing is to activate your curiosity, your patience and your ability to focus on it. These are the keys to practice it:

Browse your garden

In reflective gardening curiosity It is more important than perfectionism. It’s about opening ourselves to reality. Observe, smell, listen They are the verbs that you will conjugate. Don’t try to look for tutorials on the Internet, it’s not about that but about discover for yourself the way of doing things. As? With common sense. If you have doubts, it is best to ask another gardener or at your garden store. That conversation will bring you much more.

Enjoy savoring time

The patience It is the forgotten key attitude of gardening. Knowing how to wait is one of the actions that more work requires our brain accustomed to immediacy and superficiality. Nature has its rhythms. Whatever you plant will take time to germinate, grow and flower, for example. Thoughtful gardening allows you to enjoy things like perceive the passage of time. Even you dopamine will be activated in another wayslower and longer lasting.

Get your mind back

In the society of hyperstimulation our minds suffer. In the garden, your brain is exposed to a balanced and rich stimulation. Many studies have shown the power of nature to increase well-being. Recently, a study of the Harvard University addressed the presence of trees in our environment as a source of health. The result is that you will be able to focus your attention more easily, without interruptions. That training is key to our happiness.