Gardening, as a hobby, is fun and pleasurable. But did you know that it also plays a major role in maintaining your health by promoting mental and physical wellness? So, bring out your shovels and scissors as we list a few more reasons for you to connect with Mother Earth and get your hands dirty in the flower beds!
De-stress
Working in a garden can help you unwind after a busy day of work and uplift your mood. It makes you feel calm and happy. According to a Dutch study, it has been observed that gardening noticeably reduces cortisol, “the stress hormone” in the brain. It also aids in mental health by promoting better sleep patterns which leave you refreshed and stress free.
Boosts Immunity
The garden dirt has soil bacteria called mycobacterium vaccae, which contains anti-depressant properties and has been found to decrease symptoms of lifestyle diseases, such as high blood pressure, psoriasis, heart diseases and even allergies by boosting body’s immune functions.
Healthy Diet
Growing your own vegetables and herbs, gives you the opportunity of consuming them when they are high in nutrition value, as they are freshly plucked and without any pesticides or chemicals. Moreover, it also provides you with an alternative to eat fresh healthy salads at home and ditch the processed foods from the markets.
Great Exercise
It may look like a child’s play but gardening is one heck of a workout! It involves stretching, crouching, digging and planting which improves body’s agility and strengthens the joints and muscles with the added benefits of losing some weight with all that exercise.This is an easy way of incorporating a workout routine in your daily life.
Getting that Vitamin D
It is common knowledge, that vitamin D is essential for proper functioning of the body and bone strength, because it helps the body absorb Calcium. Gardening in the sun every day for at least fifteen minutes gives you enough Vitamin D to eliminate the risk of weak bones and osteoporosis and even reduce muscle pains.
Reduced Risk of Mental Illness
Gardening helps you take a break from your busy life and unplug from the technology to give your mind a break. It has a calming effect on the brain and lowers the risk of dementia, “a memory loss disease” for people in their 60’s and 70’s by up to 36 percent as stated by a 2006 study.
Hand Coordination and Body Functions
Over the years, muscles in our hands and arms become weak because of not being used as often but regular gardening sessions involve usage of both dominant and non-dominant hand which strengthens the muscles and improves hand coordination.
(Savleen)
