The activity of gardening has long been a cherished hobby for several individuals, but did you know that it also offers significant health benefits? No matter if you are growing vegetables, colorful flowers, or useful herbs, gardening promotes both physical as well as mental well-being. From reducing the level of stress to providing a full-body workout, here’s how gardening can improve your overall well-being and health.
Physical Exercise
Gardening is an excellent way to stay physically active without the requirement for a gym. The different tasks that are involved in gardening, like as digging, planting, weeding, & watering, usually engage various muscle groups in our body and this contribute to the well-being of cardiovascular health. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), gardening qualifies as a moderate-intensity exercise, which helps in burning calories & improving your overall muscle strength. Spending just 30 minutes in the garden can very likely provide you with an adequately healthy workout.
Mental Health and Stress Relief
In addition to its range of physical benefits, gardening is considered to be a fantastic stress reliever for the takers. Engaging with nature can likely reduce the levels of cortisol in your body, the body’s stress hormone, & improve mood. This repetitive & mindful nature of gardening activities can act as a form of meditation, offering the right sense of accomplishment & calm. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces, even in your backyard, can reduce your level of anxiety & depression symptoms, promoting better overall mental health.
Exposure to Vitamin D
Gardening often requires spending a lot of time outdoors, which exposes you to natural sunlight. This likely helps your body produce a lot of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for the well-being of bone health as well as immune function. While it is crucial to wear sunscreen to protect against the excessive exposure to UV, getting the regular dose of sunlight while gardening can help you in maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D.
Growing Your Own Food
Gardening also very well encourages healthier eating habits in individuals. When you grow your own fruits & vegetables, you are more likely to consume the freshest, organic, as well as nutrient-rich produce. This not just improves your diet but also provides you a sense of satisfaction from growing your own food. Plus, gardening can also save you money on groceries as you will not have to purchase of lot of vegetables at an exorbitant rate from the market!
It goes without saying that gardening is more than just a hobby—it is a very powerful way to optimally improve your physical as well as mental health. No matter if you are tending to a small herb garden or cultivating a larger vegetable plot, the act of gardening nurtures the body, mind, & spirit. So, grab your tools, step outside on your terrace, front yard or backyard, & start planting your way to enjoy a better and more fulfilling health!
