Our Minds, inspired, cured by Nature?
- Liesa Bellairs
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
It’s common knowledge that being out in nature, whether it’s in your own garden or a local green space, generally makes one feel better, but is there any science in this? The best-studied brain chemistry effects of nature are lower stress hormones and a significant shift towards calm. Sometimes referred to as “forest bathing”, studies have shown an indisputable shift in cortisol levels of test groups compared to those in urban environments. It’s no wonder more free-spirited, tie-dye-wearing, barefoot individuals in flower crowns are markedly less stressed than the average city dweller.
I’m a person who gravitates towards walking outside wherever I am, and one to plan each day around what to plant, what to pull out, what to change and what more I can learn. So, I cannot emphasise how important my small flower farm is for me to remain grounded and remain resilient to the overwhelming stresses of modern day life.
More personally, my darling Mom recently passed away. It‘s been a shock to my tiny family. As soon as the drudgery of admin started to ease I got stuck into my flowers following her death, and I’ve since found myself "talking to my Mom" in my head, imagining her watching me work away and explaining to her what my dreams and aspirations are as though she was standing next to me. In her mortal life, this would have been challenging for her. So, for me, this provides an overwhelming sense of comfort, a heartfelt connection to her and I will forever work hard to build my little business. She was cheerleading me from the sidelines and it will be my life long goal to make her proud. I’m going to "grow myself happy" as part of my grieving process and gardening therapy will take many forms for me.
RHS Wisley Gardens has introduced a Hilltop Wellbeing Garden designed by Matt Keightly in collaboration with the curatorial team and experts in neuroscience and mental health. Think: a diversity of colours, textures, scents and of course soothing sounds like that of running water, wind rustling through leaves, birdsong, insects buzzing... just the thought elicits a feeling of peace. Essentially everyone can find their own "zone" which will bring a sense of distraction and calm. These little wellbeing sanctuaries are being rolled out at various hospitals across the UK too. In their inaugural report The State of Gardening 2025, RHS collates information across various disciplines and the statistics are clear: "Gardening can help tackle the £65 billion annual cost of obesity and the £117.9 billion cost of mental health. Children thrive in gardens, with 74% saying gardening makes them happy and 87% saying being in a garden brings joy".
The long and the short of it is that gardening is good. The green economy is under-recognised by most governments in their national policy and could contribute substantially to the economies of countries whilst improving the mental outlook of its citizens. Gardening, either for food or for pleasure, can be a powerful agent for change and certainly offers peace, distraction and an overall sense of achievement. My daughter shared with me the concept of fractal patterns which she learnt about at a conference (from a Wellbeing Officer at a large corporate – a common profession today, but one that my forefathers would find laughable) and their presence in nature. The concept was first coined by Richard Taylor who is an expert in chaos theory (I believe I’m also an expert in this in many ways, but mostly when I have a glass of wine), fractals, and the relationship between art and science. Fractals and repeating patterns(think of a fern leaf with its repeated patterns), indisputably present in things like tree branches, leaves, and coastline, expose a physiological resonance in humans, reducing stress levels by up to 60%. More calm found in nature’s repetitions and less ruminating on life’s complexities is a win for everyone.
As one of many sun loving South Africans, our lifestyle generally includes a lot of time spent outdoors and most people have access to at least a small amount of green space around them, so step outside people. I urge those living in the Concrete Jungles to start including some gardening into their day to day routines, even if you start with a couple of pot plants on a balcony. Keeping them alive, nourished and flourishing will teach skills of patience, responsibility, nurturing and wonder and leave you feeling like a pro.
If we reflect on the crazy time of Covid and the various forms of lockdown we all endured, it was the beginning of a major shift for many people to return to nature, re-prioritise their plans for outdoor time, and indulge in their own creativity in outdoor spaces. "Keep on keeping on" is my message to you! Be brave and plant a seed or seedling, shrub or tree, buy a pot plant then document its growth as you nurture it and enjoy the ultimate joy of a beautiful plant grown with your own hands.
With soil on my hands and much Love
Liesa
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