Yahoo News Get a better night's sleep with surprising hobby which also helps reduce anxiety
Last week saw a spell of warmer weather for Scotland and the rest of the UK, but since then, things have reverted back to their grey and drizzly ways.
Because of this, it's no surprise if your mood has dipped too. The unpredictable weather can make us feel down, especially during summer, with feelings of stress and anxiety making it hard to sleep at night.
And if you've found yourself struggling to drift off, then the solution could be closer to home than you think - in fact, it could be right outside your front door.
If you have a garden, the answer for lifting your mood again is simple, according to experts. As well as reducing anxiety and stress, being surrounded by nature and throwing yourself into gardening can also help to aid sleep, reduce cortisol levels and improve your body clock.
Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist and sleep expert for And So To Bed, said: "For green-fingered Brits, getting regular exposure to natural light is perfect for regulating the circadian rhythm, which is our internal clock telling our body when to be awake and alert, as well as regulating other body functions.
"Being outdoors and gardening means you’re receiving more natural daylight exposure, which can help promote better sleep quality at night. As well as this therapeutic activity reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, the physical act of gardening also gets your body moving in a low impact way, which helps aid sleep too."
If you have been struggling with your mood lately, plants and flowers are helpful when it comes to getting that ‘boost’.
For instance, lavender is known to help relieve physical symptoms like headaches, stomach irritations and nerves, but it’s also beneficial for helping to naturally relieve anxiety and soothe the mind and body.
Dr Browning added: “Lavender can also help tackle insomnia, improve sleep quality and regulate breathing.”
As well as looking aesthetically pleasing, gerberas are a natural antidepressant, promoting inner peace and stability. Their happy colours can also contribute to improving your mood and creating a sense of positivity.
Another mood-enhancing plant are geraniums, which are popular for hanging baskets and borders. Scented geraniums are said to reduce stress and bring a sense of joy with their bright colours. They’re also very low maintenance and easy to care for.
