Mini-Blog - The Quiet Power of Gardening and Getting Outdoors

This is my garden. Not always pretty, but always something to look at, and eat from!

As the weather warms across much of Australia, stepping outside becomes less of a chore and more of a pleasure. Whether it’s tending to herbs on a balcony, pottering around a backyard garden, or simply taking a slow walk around the block, spending time outdoors delivers powerful benefits for both body and mind.

Sunshine, Vitamin D, and Stronger Health

Natural sunlight is our most efficient source of vitamin D, a nutrient essential for bone health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. While supplements can be helpful for some people, nothing quite replaces the gentle dose of morning or late-afternoon sun on your skin. Just a few safe minutes outdoors each day can support healthier vitamin D levels—especially important after months of cooler weather.

Daylight and Your Circadian Rhythm

Exposure to natural daylight—particularly in the morning—helps regulate the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that manages sleep, energy, digestion, and hormone cycles. Getting outside early signals to the brain that it’s time to be alert, helping to improve mood and sharpen focus. Later, when evening comes, your brain is more likely to release melatonin on time, making it easier to fall asleep and get restorative rest.

Grounding, Calm, and Mental Clarity

Gardening has a uniquely grounding effect. The act of planting, watering, or simply observing the growth cycle invites slower breathing and a quieter mind. Research consistently shows that being in green spaces reduces stress hormones, boosts feelings of joy, and can even lower blood pressure. Walking outdoors—whether in a leafy neighbourhood or along a coastal path—adds gentle movement, which further supports mental health, digestion, and cardiovascular function.

Three Simple Tips for Getting Outside Daily

1. Make It a Morning Ritual

Step outside within the first hour of waking. Even 5–10 minutes of daylight exposure can reset your internal clock and energise your day.

2. Pair It With Something You Already Do

Water your plants, enjoy your morning cuppa outside, or take a work call while strolling. Linking outdoor time to an existing habit makes it effortless and consistent.

3. Create a Small Garden Space

You don’t need acreage—just a few pots on a balcony or herbs on a windowsill. A living space you care for naturally invites you outside each day to check on growth, water, prune, and breathe fresh air. I had a client who decided to gather her friends, and all grow different flowers in pots, to make bouquets for eachother. The best!

As the warmer months roll in, let the outdoors become part of your daily rhythm. A little sun, greenery, and movement can transform your mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing—one peaceful step outside at a time.