Not Just a Trend, Gardening Becomes a Mentally Healthy Lifestyle during the Pandemic

Kapanlagi.com - During the pandemic of the corona covid-19 virus, various activities have emerged as new trends, ranging from cooking, cycling, to gardening. However, gardening or taking care of plants can be one of the most interesting. Because, it's not just a trend, now gardening has become a new lifestyle.

Having many enthusiasts, many believe that gardening brings a number of benefits, especially for mental health during the pandemic. In the midst of the pandemic situation, various pressures that cause stress have emerged. Gardening is said to be an activity that can overcome this stress. What is the truth behind it?

1. Planting Doesn't Require Talent

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Ika Risti Purwasih feels the benefits of gardening. Ika, as she is often called, just started gardening around May when the pandemic had only been running for a few months. Initially, Ika was influenced by her three close friends. Starting from aloe vera, betel ivory, and bougainvillea, now Ika has dozens of plant species in her place of residence.

Although she felt like a failure when her plants died, Ika did not lose hope. Now, she has proven that the terms 'warm hands' and 'cold hands' do not apply to her in gardening. According to her, anyone can garden as long as they have a genuine intention and are diligent.

'There is no such thing as 'cold hands' and 'warm hands'. Each plant has its own characteristics and handling, and it depends on whether we can be diligent or not in taking care of the plant. It's just like parents who have more than one child. They each have their own characteristics. It depends on how they give attention to their children so that they can develop,' explained Ika.

2. Farming and Meditation

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When visiting her residence on Sunday (15/11), Ika showed her beloved plants. Although she admitted that she was not greatly affected by the pandemic, Ika still felt that gardening had made her feel much better.

In addition to gardening, Ika has recently been learning meditation. Interestingly, this bespectacled woman then applied the principles of mindfulness to meditation while taking care of her plants. Occasionally, Ika even interacts with her plants, talking to them as if they were living beings. As a result, gardening not only channels her desires and hobbies, but Ika also claims to gain positive values from it.

"I gain many values from the planting process. I become more diligent, more patient, and my self-confidence increases. I learn to recognize something, try to understand it (the plant), and I have to treat it (the plant) as best as I can. So I become more diligent," said Ika.

3. Planting Beneficial Plants

Admitting not following trends, Ika is more interested in types of plants that are beneficial rather than plants that are currently popular. Ika takes care of several beneficial plants such as lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, aloe vera, and butterfly pea flower. Although planting in limited land and in small quantities, at least Ika's plants can already be used for domestic needs.

In addition to beneficial plants, Ika also plants plants that have nostalgic value. Bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers may be underestimated by some people today. But, both of them are actually Ika's favorite plants. Especially bougainvillea, Ika admitted that this flower can evoke memories of her childhood, so just by looking at it can bring happiness.

"I do like bougainvillea and aloe vera. In my opinion, because (aloe vera) has many benefits. As for bougainvillea, when I was in elementary school, there was bougainvillea in front of it. In my opinion (back then) it was beautiful like paper, its name is also good. Yeah, it's more because of that," said Ika.

4. Planting Becomes Stress Healing

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Just like Ika, Gierald Rihhadat Eka Faturrachman also feels that gardening can be a stress healing during the pandemic. "We can't go anywhere (during the pandemic), so when we see new leaves or buds on the plants in the morning, it makes us happy. That's what makes us not stressed," explained Gierald.

Met at a garden-themed cafe (15/11), Gierald shared the beginning of his love for plants. Gierald was raised in a family of plant lovers. After college and living far from his family, Gierald continued to pursue his gardening hobby. Limited space in his room was not a barrier. In a room measuring 4 x 3.5 meters, Gierald lives with approximately 30 of his plant collections.

5. Allocate Special Time for Plants

For Gierald, taking care of plants has been a routine or habit since childhood. Now, this Sumatran man must be smart in dividing his time between studying and taking care of plants. In the midst of this pandemic situation, Gierald's time can be said to be quite devoted to plants. There are special times for Gierald to take care of his beloved plants.

Starting from the morning, Gierald checks his plants. He cleans the dirty leaves of the plants one by one. He does this to ensure that the process of photosynthesis is not disrupted. After wiping them, Gierald sun-dries his plants on the balcony. Although it sounds quite complicated, Gierald does it happily.

In addition, every weekend Gierald sets aside special time to hunt for plants. Not only to add to his collection, but also as a refreshing activity. "When searching for plants, it's like going for a walk, so it makes me happy," explained Gierald.

6. So Business Opportunity

Unlike Ika, Gierald is a plant lover who follows trends. This 7th semester student is always up to date on the types of plants that are currently popular. His collection of ornamental plants is also considered complete. Gierald even sets aside a special budget to buy his dream plants that are currently popular. According to him, being able to get plants that are currently popular gives its own satisfaction.

However, Gierald's goal in staying up to date about plants is not just about following trends. Gierald is considered to be able to read opportunities. Occasionally, he hunts for plants to cultivate, then chop them up and resell them. From here, gardening is not only a hobby, but also a new source of income. Not half-hearted, from plants that were originally bought for 35 thousand, Gierald managed to sell them for 120 thousand.

As a seasoned plant lover, Gierald admits to being happy with the gardening trend in the midst of a pandemic. Not only because it brings in income. According to him, this trend also makes plants more valued like other living creatures. "I'm happy, so now plants are more valued and have a price. They're not just thrown away anymore. Plus (gardening) is also one of the positive activities," Gierald concluded.

7. Gardening Trend from a Psychological Perspective

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Encountered in the Gondokusuman area (21/11), Cania Mutia, M.Psi., Psychologist explains the gardening trend from a psychological perspective. According to her, gardening has more value compared to other pandemic trends.

Unlike cycling and cooking, gardening involves other living beings. Gardening has a more complex process, so the values ​​produced feel more special. "When gardening, not only plants grow, but we ourselves also grow. Because humans are always in a process of growth," said Cania.

Cania added that the long and complex gardening process indirectly helps humans to grow. Through gardening, someone can acquire values ​​such as responsibility, diligence, patience, and self-confidence. These things may not be obtained through cycling or cooking activities.

8. Don't Just Follow Trends

Besides being able to obtain positive values, the benefits of gardening during a pandemic are not only felt by those who pursue it. Cania stated that just by looking at fresh plants alone, it can create a sense of calm, thus eliminating stress. This means that gardening trends can also be beneficial for those who are just spectators.

Cania also emphasizes that positive values of gardening cannot be obtained easily. The process of acquiring these values will greatly depend on the sincerity and interest of individuals in gardening. This is what will differentiate those who truly love plants from those who simply follow trends.

When following trends without sufficient knowledge, gardening will only become a regular activity. Positive values are not obtained, and it may even trigger stress. This is because insufficient knowledge can increase the risk of failure. When it is no longer a trend, gardening activities will also end abruptly. "So, before starting (gardening), maybe the intention should be corrected first," Cania advises.

9. Gardening as Psychological Therapy

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Furthermore, gardening is not only able to overcome stress. Cania explains that gardening can be a psychological therapy to deal with depression and anxiety.

"The process is similar to what I mentioned earlier, we practice mindful gardening. We focus our thoughts on the plants. Then, our thoughts about the psychological disturbances we have will be released. We become mindful in that moment, and gradually we will recover," Cania explains.

No need to worry, this therapy can be done simply by watering the plants regularly every morning and afternoon. In fact, gardening activities during leisure time are highly recommended for the elderly, as it is very beneficial. "The effect is extraordinary, it can prevent us from dementia. And the feeling of joy when the plants grow can be an achievement that makes us feel happier and more valuable," Cania concludes.

(kpl/psp)