After the holiday season, returning to a normal routine can be difficult. As family visits end and the weather remains bleak, it’s essential to find something to look forward to. Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini highlighted the mental health benefits of gardening, including reduced depression and anxiety, along with improved overall life satisfaction.

Domenghini explained that gardening can help alleviate stress by offering food security, providing physical activity, and serving as a social hobby. These factors contribute to gardening’s positive impact on mental health.

January is Mental Wellness Awareness Month, a time to focus on mental health concerns that affect both youth and adults. Domenghini encouraged people to consider helping someone in need of gardening, whether by mentoring them or providing space for growing vegetables. Alternatively, she suggests taking time to garden yourself.

To get started, Domenghini recommends exploring indoor gardening activities through the K-State horticulture newsletter, such as forcing paperwhites, starting onions indoors, or growing garden transplants. Gardening could be the key to better well-being in the year ahead.