Fun mindfulness gardening club proves popular at school after its launch as another way to boost students’ wellbeing
By India, 13, Jill Dando News
A fun gardening club for mindfulness has been launched at a Somerset school to help boost mental wellbeing.
Students at Priory Community School Academy in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset will benefit from sessions of mindfulness gardening in their one acre ‘Forest area’.
The club will involve students learning about gardening, growing trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables, among trees, birds and other wildlife.
According to psychologists, gardening boosts social relationships, family connection, emotional and mental wellbeing, and can reduce stress, depression and anxiety.
Back in 2022, Principal Angelos Markoutsas helped students to plant 400 trees in the new nature area.
Principal Angelos Markoutsas said: “Gardening is as old as the hills but is a super powerful way for all people to feel more relaxed, being out in nature.
“We are eager to help to promote mental wellbeing in every way that we can.
“Mindfulness gardening is just one way to do this but is already proving very popular.”
India, 13, said: “The gardening club is a nice relaxing environment to go to if you feel stressed at break. It is proving very popular.”
There is a substantial body of research demonstrating the positive benefits of gardening-based activities on wellbeing and mental health
Gardening can even improve cognitive and educational outcomes in children and adolescents
It also promotes fun, enjoyment, a sense of achievement, satisfaction and pride from nurturing the plants, a quiet time for reflection and increased confidence and self-esteem.
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