Wellbeing elements form the design principles for what we do at Wellbeing Gardens. Whether in design, in consultations, or in community events, the things that are important to our wellbeing are intertwined with how we work.
Wellbeing can mean different things to different people. Your mental wellbeing, your physical wellbeing, the wellbeing of those around you and the wider environment. How we feel about our own wellbeing is personal. Yet much research has been conducted on the “pillars” that bind-together to create our true overall wellbeing.
Elements of Wellbeing
At Wellbeing gardens, we take those pillars, or elements, and see apply them to work within the context of a garden or outdoor setting. Our designs are not just about space planning for trees, plants, seating and play, our designs include awareness of the following:
- Environment – Taking notice of nature around you. Giving you a space that allows you to connect with nature and empowering you to make choices that positively impact the local environment.
- Physical – Creating a space for persons with disabilities, using the Universal Design Principles. Giving you opportunities to be active through gardening or exercise. Spending time outside is known to reduce blood pressure and stress, and positively impacts mental health, your immunity, sleep, and re-sets your circadian rhythm.
- Social – Providing a space for you to build and maintain bonds with family and friends.
- Knowledge – Creating ways to explore your space and discover new things from the wildlife, plants and ecosystems around you. To maintain curiosity and lifelong learning.
- Emotional – Creating a space for you to connect with your emotions. Evidence shows that being in the garden and viewing natural vegetation reduces stress, can give us a boost of Vitamin D, and can improve our mood.
- Spiritual – Creating a sanctuary where you can honour the values that are important to you.
- Financial – Using sustainable products and plants and growing your own produce.
- Vocational – Creating spaces that allow you to give back. Using your knowledge of your garden or using the space in your garden to pass something positive on to others.
Having strong social relationships, being physically active and being involved in learning are all important influencers of both well-being and ill-being. By contrast, the processes of giving and becoming more aware have been shown to specifically influence well-being in a positive way. A combination of all of these behaviours will help to enhance individual well-being.
New Economics Foundation, Five Ways to Wellbeing, https://neweconomics.org/2008/10/five-ways-to-wellbeing