Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day.
Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health. Cheryl Harper, managing director at Greensleeves, explains how the benefits of gardening stretch far beyond a bit of fresh air and a nice-looking lawn.
Get your workout on Anyone who's done a hard afternoon gardening will tell you it's a full-body workout at times. Who needs a gym when you can get your heart pumping and work several different muscle groups by digging out weeds, watering plants, and mowing the lawn? Regular exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. The physical exertion of gardening can be on par with going on a run or going to the gym. The NHS considers exercise essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life, and it's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Gardening helps improve your self-esteem Gardening can seem daunting for beginners, but once you start to see the fruits of your labour, you will fall in love with it in no time. There is a great sense of pride and satisfaction that comes with creating a beautifully landscaped garden. Plus, your garden will become the perfect place for relaxing or hosting friends and family. Gardening can provide a sense of accomplishment, mastery of a new skill, connection to nature, relaxation, and social interaction, all of which can improve your self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
Mow-tivaton As well as enjoying the fresh air and being close to nature, mowing offers additional mental and physical health benefits. It is a great way to promote a sense of well-being and the smell of fresh-cut grass has been shown to have a calming effect on many people. In fact, studies have found that exposure to the scent of freshly cut grass can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Pushing your lawn mower also acts as an efficient cardiovascular workout and the repetition of going up and down the garden is proven to deliver a serious calorie burn and be a great way to work your entire body and improve your heart health.
Grow together Gardens help us connect. Not just with nature and the outdoors, but with friends and family. It's easy to include the whole family when gardening, so get them all involved and show your kids how seeds develop into fully grown plants. Gardening teaches us patience, perseverance, and creativity – all important skills at any age. Even those of you who don't have your own garden can get started at one of Britain's favourite pastimes. Community gardens are becoming increasingly more common across the UK. They are great for combating loneliness, increasing social interaction, and improving teamwork. When working together for a shared common goal, you can find the role that works for you.
Summer thyme Spending time outdoors in the garden is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, a vital nutrient that promotes strong bones, muscles, and a robust immune system. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to soak up some sun and disconnect from the digital world. Gardening is a creative, enjoyable project that helps us forget about our troubles and focus on something positive.
Take care of your mental health According to the mental health charity Mind, nearly two-thirds of UK adults (63%) say that spending time gardening or in nature helps their mental health, with respondents saying it makes them feel less stressed and that they benefit from taking in the sights, colours, and smells of the outdoors. Gardening is so beneficial that the NHS has even prescribed it as part of their 'Long Term Plan'. So, get your green prescription and start enjoying the mental health benefits of gardening today.
Titanic Spa launches luxury June overnight wellness break in the Yorkshire countryside from £244.50 per person
Set in the scenic Yorkshire countryside, Titanic Spa is launching its June Time Together Overnight Break, a limited-time luxury spa package available throughout June. Priced from £244.50 per person, the experience includes overnight accommodation in a private spa apartment, two treatments per guest (including a 55-minute full body massage option), and full access to the spa's extensive facilities. Guests can unwind in the outdoor hot tub, indoor pool and hydrozone, Himalayan salt sauna, crystal steam room and relaxation lounge. The stay also includes a continental breakfast, one-course lunch, two-course evening meal and exclusive evening access to Bar1911 Champagne & Cocktail Bar, making it an ideal romantic wellness escape.
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Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season
Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...
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Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026
Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.
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5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed
61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.
