Sensory Harmony: Calming Down With Aquaponics Garden Therapy

"As someone who has autism and can get overwhelmed with too much stimulation, my aquaponics system, is my refuge". Candy Alexander

It is easy to get overstimulated and stressed in life. You don't have to have anxiety, PTSD or autism to experience it.

As we have stepped away from quiet living and we are now bombarded with noise, phones, social media and living closer together, life can get overwhelming.

This video looks at aquaponics as a form of garden therapy. It helps you to see something external in balance, and helping you to calm down, reduce anxiety and balance yourself when overwhelmed.

In turning to your aquaponics system in times of stress and overwhelm, you can find these elements helping you without realising it.

1. Sensory Engagement and Calming Environment

Backyard aquaponics provides a multisensory experience. It engages individuals with the soothing sounds of flowing water, the vibrant colours of aquatic life, and the fresh aroma of growing plants. There is nothing like brushing your veggies and smelling the freshness when you need to get out of overwhelm. This sensory stimulation can help alleviate anxiety or feelings of overwhelm by creating a calming environment conducive to relaxation and stress reduction.

2. Therapeutic Benefits of Nature Connection

Interacting with nature has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits for mental health. By tending to an aquaponics garden in your backyard, if you have experience with anxiety, PTSD, or autism (even if you don't), you can cultivate a deeper connection to nature, fostering feelings of peace, tranquillity, and grounding amidst daily challenges in life.

3. Hands-On Activity for Mindful Engagement

Engaging in hands-on activities like planting, harvesting, and maintaining an aquaponic system can provide you with a unique outlet for expressing creativity and mindfulness. Focusing on the rhythmic tasks of caring for fish and plants encourages present-moment awareness, diverting attention away from intrusive thoughts or sensory overload, all while hearing the peaceful water moving around you. Relieve your anxiety whilst concentrating on the task at hand.

4. Sense of Accomplishment and Self-Efficacy

Successfully nurturing a backyard aquaponic garden can instil a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy if you are experiencing anxiety, PTSD, or autism (and even if you aren't). Watching the growth and flourishing of plants and aquatic life nurtured by you efforts can boost self-esteem and confidence, empowering you to overcome challenges and setbacks.

5. Enhancing Sensory Integration and Regulation

Backyard aquaponics provides a structured yet flexible environment for those with sensory processing differences, such as those with autism. The diverse sensory input ~ like the gentle movement of water, the textures of plants, and the visual appeal of colourful fish ~ supports sensory integration and regulation. Engaging with these stimuli in a controlled setting can help you manage sensory overwhelm, develop sensory processing skills, and improve self-regulation abilities over time.

Incorporating backyard aquaponics as a form of garden therapy can offer those with anxiety, PTSD, or autism (or not) a holistic approach to self-care. Garden therapy promotes emotional well-being, sensory regulation, and a deeper connection to nature. By nurturing your own little oasis at home, you can find solace, restoration, and empowerment amidst life's complexities.

Are you interested in reading about how I worked through PTSD and Anxiety with the help of Aquaponics?

It was the most amazing thing to be able to see the connection between myself, and an aquaponics system and with that find a way to let go of the unhealthy thoughts and trauma that were plaguing me.

Get your digital copy HERE

Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.