At Skyterra Young Adult, we’re dedicated to providing a comprehensive wellness experience that nurtures the physical and mental well-being of our guests. One of the unique facets of our program is the garden, a space where young adult guests can engage in the transformative process of growing their own food. Drawing inspiration from the insightful research article “How Gardening in Detroit Influences Physical and Mental Health” by Alyssa W. Beavers et al., we’ll delve into how gardening in our setting can significantly benefit the mental and physical health of our guests.
Gardening and Mental Health: A Therapeutic Sanctuary
Beavers et al.’s research illustrates how gardening can be a powerful catalyst for enhancing mental health. This is especially pertinent for young adults, who often grapple with the complexities of transitioning into adulthood. Let’s explore the ways in which gardening nurtures their mental well-being:
1. Stress Relief and Mood Enhancement:
Beavers et al. found that gardening offers a serene refuge from the demands of daily life. The act of nurturing plants, interacting with the soil, and observing the growth of seeds can be inherently therapeutic.
Much like the participants in the study, our young adult guests find solace and tranquility in our garden. They describe it as a haven that promotes relaxation, alleviates stress, and fosters an improved mood.
2. Sense of Achievement:
Watching the transformation of a tiny seed into a thriving plant provides our guests with a profound sense of accomplishment. This process instills in them a belief in their own potential for growth and change.
These feelings of achievement translate into increased self-esteem and self-confidence, vital attributes as our guests prepare to face the challenges of adulthood.
3. Connection to Nature and Spirituality:
As Beavers et al. highlighted, the connection between gardening and spirituality is a common theme. Gardening fosters a sense of being “in tune with nature,” deepening guests’ spiritual connection and ecological awareness.
Our garden serves as a space for contemplation and spiritual growth, allowing our young adult guests to explore their beliefs and forge a profound connection with nature.
Gardening and Physical Health: Nourishing the Body with Fresh Whole Foods
Apart from its mental health benefits, gardening significantly impacts the physical well-being of our young adult guests. It encourages healthier dietary choices and promotes physical activity:
1. Access to Fresh, Nutrient-Rich Food:
Our garden provides a source of fresh, organic produce for our on-site executive chef to prepare food with. Guests have the privilege of harvesting vegetables and herbs at their nutritional peak, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrient content.
Gardening often leads to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. This enhances guests’ overall nutrition, supporting the management of chronic diseases and promoting vitality.
2. Physical Activity and Fitness:
Gardening is inherently physical, involving activities like planting, weeding, bending, stretching, and lifting. Much like the participants in Beavers et al.’s study, our guests engage in these activities, promoting physical fitness.
For some of our young adult guests, gardening may become a hobby that will continue well into adulthood, aligning with the study’s emphasis on gardening as a source of regular exercise.
3. Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits:
Understanding the process of growing food fosters a deeper connection to what they consume. Beavers et al. found that this heightened awareness often results in healthier dietary choices.
Our guests become more mindful of their dietary decisions, increasingly opting for fresh, whole foods. This shift can have a lasting impact on their nutritional well-being.
At Skyterra Young Adult, our garden is not merely a plot of land; it’s a space for growth and transformation. By engaging in gardening, our young adult guests develop life skills, find solace, and nurture both their mental and physical health. This profound experience equips them for a healthier future and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of adult life.
