Spending time outside can reduce stress, anger, and depression. Furthermore, gardening is an excellent workout that can even strengthen your immune system. Not only is gardening good for your health, but it also has the added benefit of leaving you with something beautiful to look at as your hard work evolves in front of you.
Gardening is therapeutic and is often an activity that is carried out in hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons. Ricky Jackson, who was a victim of wrongful incarceration, has said that activities such as gardening and reading are what kept him going through the most difficult time of his life.
Sometimes it can be hard to find time to look after your garden, however, once it becomes a habit it will be one which you won’t want to let go of.
Good For Your Mind
Being outside and exercising are both fantastic forms of stress relief and can help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder, even if the sun isn’t shining.
It can also be a great release of anger, especially activities such as destroying weeds or heavy digging. You can take the anger out on your garden if you need to.
Gardening can be meditative; it is an opportunity for you to let go of all your worries and bring your attention to your garden. Being active and moving your hands can also help to focus your mind. Gardening brings you closer to nature which can be hugely beneficial for mental health. The various textures of smell and colors will help you to live in the moment and be connected to the earth. This is also fantastic for children, so if you have children then try and get them involved.
Maintaining plants is a responsibility, this can also be helpful for people experiencing mental health or substance abuse problems. A sense of purpose and self-worth comes with keeping something alive and caring for it regularly.
Seeing the fruits of your labor, often literally, can leave you with a fantastic sense of accomplishment. It may also encourage you to eat healthier which is great for both mind and body.
There have even been studies that show that gardening can even lower your risk of dementia. In one study, 60-70-year-olds were monitored over 16 years and those who gardened had a 36% – 47% lower risk of developing dementia.
Good For Your Body
Gardening is an excellent exercise. Depending on what you are doing, an hour of gardening could burn up to 330 calories! A fantastic alternative to a gym.
Gardening also improves your immune system. Being outside results in lots of vitamin D, which keeps your bones strong and aids your immune system. Your immune system is also boosted by the beneficial bacteria found in soil.
Gardening has a whole range of benefits. It is fantastic for both your physical and mental health. Furthermore, it leaves you with something you can be proud of. If you don’t usually garden, start with a few pots and take your time, be sure to keep it enjoyable.
