Get your green thumbs ready because gardening is the new sport you’re going to want to try out ASAP. An unconventional way to stay active, gardening can help unwind from a tiring day and keep your fridge full of healthy produce. Turning your backyard into paradise (or a vegetable garden) doesn’t just improve your home’s aesthetic, it also lowers your risk of dementia and keeps you physically fit.
Some research even shows that gardening for about 2.5 hours a week can help lower the risk of several diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and colon cancer.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Gardening
We’ve all attempted to grow a plant at some point in our lives. Bring back those fun memories and give gardening another chance! Your mind and body will thank you.
1. Strengthens Immune System
While the thought of playing around in the soil might not seem the most appealing, the germs and bacteria present in the soil can actually bring health benefits to the body.
The microorganisms present in the mud can strengthen the immune system, especially in children. Exposure to vitamin D from the sun further enhances the immune system’s ability to protect our body from developing various infections and diseases.
2. Boosts Mental Health
Being surrounded by nature and putting your muscles to work enforces a sense of calmness that leaves you feeling happy and content. Some studies have shown that regular gardening can reduce feelings of depression and keep your spirits lifted for long periods of time.
Plants have a healing aura around them and the beauty of your surroundings further promote mental health and boost happiness.
3. Promotes Brain Function
Gardening puts your cognitive skills to the test and is known to reduce the risks of dementia and improve brain function in the process.
The social interaction, physical and mental activity that comes with gardening keeps the brain stimulated, going a long way in maintaining your overall health and well-being.
4. Reduces Stress
Some research shows that gardening can help to reduce the stress hormone known as cortisol. The relaxing nature of this activity helps to relieve you from all the worry and stress you may be carrying from your busy schedule.
Stress can lead to a number of health issues in the future, therefore, it is recommended to engage in activities that can help to combat this stress and leave you feeling relaxed and happy.
5. Aerobic Exercise
The aerobic exercises involved in gardening comes with a multitude of benefits such as improved heart health, enhanced flexibility, and increased stamina.
The shoveling, pulling of weeds, planting, and other movements involved in gardening can really increase your heart rate and make you sweat. Not only does this activity combat obesity, but it also prevents numerous other infections and diseases.
6. Vitamin D Benefits
Many of us have jobs that require us to be indoors all day. Sometimes, we might not even see the sun for a week if it sets before we get out of work. This can lead to a serious issue of a vitamin D deficiency if we don’t take prompt action to resolve this issue.
Gardening under the sun can help us absorb this healthy vitamin, which strengthens our immune system and boosts bone health.
Give Gardening a Try!
If you’re not sure about gardening, invite a few friends over and give it a try. You will reap so many important benefits and add a little diversity to your daily routine. Make sure to slap on some natural sunscreen to protect yourself from getting sunburnt.
Quick FAQs
1. What are the health benefits of gardening for seniors?
Gardening is especially beneficial for seniors as this activity can lower the risk of dementia and improve brain function.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Hayes, K. (2017, June 14). 5 Health Benefits of Gardening and Planting. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/health-benefits-of-gardening-fd.html
Cowan, S. (n.d.). 6 Unexpected Health Benefits of Gardening. Retrieved from https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/6-unexpected-health-benefits-of-gardening/
What are the physical and mental benefits of gardening? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_are_the_physical_and_mental_benefits_of_gardening
Choan, S. (2018, March 31). Organic Lesson. Retrieved from https://www.organiclesson.com/6-wonderful-health-benefits-of-gardening/
