Improves sleep and cognitive issues in dementia patients
Increases engagement and improves mood
Restores attention in cancer patients
Teaches new and satisfying horticultural skills and revisits previous experiences/knowledge
Improves vocabulary and maintains communication
Provides problem solving and intellectual stimulation
Arouses a sense of curiosity
Physical
Supports cardiovascular health
Modifies progression of coronary heart disease by addressing associated anxiety and stress
Boosts the absorption and retention of Vitamin D
Engages both fine and gross motor movement to maintain and improve endurance, abilities and hand eye coordination
Builds confidence and independence to continue acts of daily living which leads to a better quality of life
Can aid in treatment of substance abuse
Emotional
Protects and preserves mental health
Helps to maintain a sense of purpose, confidence and worth
Improves mood state and fosters emotional restoration
Reduces stress
Aids in the development of positive coping strategies
Offers opportunities for pleasure and relaxation, as well as a sense of pride and success with projects
Social
Reduces isolation by increasing social connections and interacting in a group setting
Promotes a sense of inclusion and belonging
Builds connections
Promotes positive interactions with others who have similar interests
Re-engages old hobbies and passions
Creative
Prevents boredom and provides stimulation of sensory perceptions
Stimulates creativity by engaging in creative exercises
Fosters imagination
Develops an appreciation of the rhythm of life
Provides an outlet to express creativity
Spiritual
Connect to past and personal history
Generates meaning through engagement in purposeful activities
Fosters gratitude
Encourages positive future thoughts through vision boards, etc.
Sources: The Mental Health Commission of Canada, The Canadian Mental Health Association, The Lancet, The World Health Organization, “Recovering With Nature”: A Review of Ecotherapy and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic
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