Gardening and being outdoors

The Menopause Charity

Gardening and being outdoors

We have teamed up with the Harkness Rose Company to launch The Menopause Charity Rose.  The rose will help raise funds, awareness and aid the menopause conversation, it can also encourage us into our gardens. Gardening and being outdoors can provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, making it a great activity as part of a holistic approach to managing menopause symptoms.

Stress reduction

Menopause can be accompanied by various physical and emotional symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. Gardening provides a calming and therapeutic effect, which can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. It can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Physical activity

Regular physical activity is important during menopause to manage weight, maintain bone density, and support overall health. The physical movements of gardening such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering, can provide a moderate form of exercise. Engaging in gardening activities can help maintain joint flexibility, improve muscle strength, and contribute to cardiovascular health.

Sunlight and Vitamin D

Gardening and being outdoors in the sunlight allows the body to absorb vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Menopausal women are particularly prone to bone loss, and vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone strength. Gardening provides an opportunity to get exposure to natural sunlight and support adequate vitamin D levels.

Sense of achievement

Menopause is a transitional phase in life, and some women may experience a sense of loss or lack of purpose (anhedonia).  Gardening provides a meaningful and fulfilling activity that can restore a sense of purpose.  Enjoying an activity such as gardening can bring a sense of achievement, satisfaction and joy.

Aid sleep

Good sleep is essential for your health.  The combination of fresh air, natural light and physical activity can help ensure you get a restful night’s sleep.

Hormonal balance

Some studies suggest that exposure to certain plants and their scents, such as lavender or rosemary, may have a positive impact on hormone balance.  While the evidence is limited, gardening can offer an opportunity to interact with plants and herbs known for their potential therapeutic benefits during menopause.

No garden – no problem

Being outdoors

If you do not have access to your own garden, there are other ways to enjoy the outdoors.  Enjoying regular exercise outdoors ensures that as well as the physical and mental benefits of being active, you are gaining exposure to natural light.

Connecting with nature

Recreate the sense of achievement and find some space in your home for a plant.  There are a host of hardy plants that can survive if you struggle to water them.  Or enjoy the scent of lavender and rosemary in your kitchen.

Community activity

Explore your local allotments or discover green-fingered volunteering opportunities.  These are great ways to enjoy the benefits of exercise and nature, as well as connecting with others.

Holistic approach

Everyone’s experience of menopause is different.  Individual experiences vary, and gardening alone may not address all menopause symptoms.  There are lots of lifestyle changes and treatment options to consider to help you manage your symptoms, including: diet, hydration, good sleep and hormone replacement therapy.

The Menopause Charity Rose

The Menopause Charity Rose is available to buy from the Harkness Rose Company £2.50 from the sale of each rose will be paid to the charity. The funds raised will help the charity develop online and live chat services, to provide vital support to women and people experiencing menopause symptoms.  It will also ensure that family, friends, co-workers, employers and health care professionals have the information and resources to provide appropriate support.