Reasons why gardening is good for your health
Gardening is good for the mind, body, and aesthetics of your home. Many people enjoy spending time away from screens in the comfort of their garden. It’s a chance to be creative with different landscaping techniques or to have a peaceful moment watching your plants grow. It also improves the look of your home when your flowers, bushes, and ornamental objects are all looking their best.
This enjoyable hobby is a very healthy one to adapt to and can do excellent things for your mental health. In this blog post, we dive into the mental and physical benefits of gardening.
Does gardening make you happier?
Gardening can improve your mood and self-esteem. The simple process of nurturing plants and witnessing their growth can give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s also nice to get outside every day and spend time on a hobby that’s just for you.
If you’re growing vegetable seeds, gardening can also encourage healthier eating habits as you will want to sample the fruits of your labour. This can have a knock-on effect, encouraging you to eat a balanced diet and experiment with new recipes to incorporate the fruits and veggies you’ve grown.
It’s a great way to exercise
Exercise doesn’t have to include the gym. You can engage in gentle yet effective exercise in your garden daily. You might be surprised by how many calories you can burn by shoveling, digging, and planting plants. It helps to build strength and increases your heart rate if you’re working hard.
Getting outside and doing some physical activity encourages better sleep patterns, which, in turn, can lower your stress levels and help you feel better mentally.
Physical health benefits of gardening
Once you start gardening regularly, it can reduce the risk of heart conditions and improve your cognitive function. If you have a family member with dementia, there is some evidence that gardening can have a positive impact on this condition. It’s an enjoyable activity that can speed up healing and reduce your stress levels over time. It’s also a great way to step away from the TV or laptop and rest your eyes.
Connect with other gardeners
Take your gardening one step further by joining a community gardening project. Meet like-minded individuals and start planting fruits, veggies, and flowers together. These social interactions are also great for your mental health and can give you a sense of purpose if you’re feeling lost.
The benefits of gardening go far beyond improving the aesthetics of your home. It’s about stepping away from your work and personal life to spend some time in the outdoors with yourself. Whether you’re growing one flower or an entire vegetable bed, gardening is a great way to look after your physical and mental health.
