How Your Garden Helps You Overcome Overwhelm

Fear, anxiety, and just feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re like me, you know that garden therapy can be one of the best remedies for our restless minds. I love spending a few minutes in my garden every morning in the summer, either puttering around or reading a chapter in a book. It’s hard to feel overwhelmed when I’m sitting in early morning dappled sunlight and listening to the birds start their day.

Belive it or not, kitchen gardens can support our journey to committing to the lifestyle we truly want to live. And I can safely speak for both of us by saying that we want lives free from fear, anxiety, and overwhelm. 

So let’s dive into how even a little time spent in the garden can help us find calm and clarity.

1. Be Present in Nature

There’s something about being surrounded by plants that just lets us breathe a little easier. One of the many beauties of planting a fall garden is that you’ll have plants to enjoy into December.

When we’re feeling fearful or anxious, gardening brings us back to the present moment. When we focus on the present, we break the cycle of worrying about the past and the future. And who ever solved anything by worrying anyway? 

Whether it’s harvesting a few spinach leaves for your morning smoothie or spreading some compost now so you don’t have to in the spring, these small, simple tasks remind us to slow down, tune into our senses, and find peace in the here and now.

Try This: Next time you feel anxious, head outside, even if it’s just to stand by your garden and enjoy a bit of winter sunlight.

Take a few deep breaths, notice the scents, the textures of the leaves, the colors. Let nature’s rhythm calm your mind

2. Create Something Beautiful to Feel a Sense of Accomplishment

Gardening gives us something tangible to work toward. Taking action is the best way I know to counteract fear and uncertainty. Even taking baby steps toward your goal make a huge difference over time.

Planting a seed, nurturing it, and watching it grow reminds us that good things take time and patience.

Each new leaf, each little sprout—it’s proof that we’re capable of creating something beautiful, no matter what else is happening.

Try This: Start a small project, like planting garlic, planting herbs this winter and placing them in a sunny windowsill, or even preparing your garden beds for spring. These small actions not only keep our hands busy, but they give our minds a welcome focus.

3. Step Outside for Some Sunlight and Fresh Air

Many of us don’t get enough sunlight. Not receiving enough sunlight throws our circadian rhythm off, which (for me) means more middle-of-the-night wake ups and feeling less rested when it’s finally time to get moving for the day. 

For some of us, not getting enough sunlight lets seasonal effectiveness disorder creep into our lives.

Spending time in the garden, even in short bursts, regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy, allows our bodies to soak up the sun (even if it’s a weak winter sun or tucked behind clouds). I feel my spirits lift and energy multiply!  

Just 10-20 minutes outside each day can make a big difference in how we feel.

Try This: Enjoy your warm morning coffee or tea in your garden, harvest a few salad leaves for your lunchtime meal, or go on a walk to get your heart in on the fun too. 

Your mind—and your body—will thank you for the extra light, fresh air, and bit of movement.

4. Connecting with Something Greater

One of the things I love most about gardening is that it reminds me I’m part of a larger cycle. The garden has a natural ebb and flow, and there’s a quiet reassurance in knowing that everything has its season. 

It’s an honor and a privilege to play a small part in the history of the wonderful property that I call home.

When we feel anxious or fearful, this connection to nature is deeply comforting.  Change is natural and life continues to grow.

Try This: Take a few minutes to reflect on the growth you’ve seen in your garden this year, no matter how big or small. What’s changed? What’s thrived?

This gentle reflection reminds us that we, too, are growing. Even in ways we may not always see.

Has your garden been a source of peace for you this season?

I’d love to hear how it’s helped you manage stress or simply brought a smile to your face. I live through your journey to grow your green thumb and create a life you live.

Feel free to share photos or stories—I’m always here to listen and support you!