Gardening is not just a hobby for old folks and green thumbs. It’s therapy for the soul and a workout for the body. Here are some of the benefits of getting your hands dirty.
First, it’s a great way to relieve stress. There’s nothing like the feeling of pushing a stubborn weed out of the ground to take out your anger on something.
Additionally, gardening can help you get in touch with your inner peace as you focus on the task at hand and the peacefulness of nature.
It’s a full-body workout, from digging and planting to weeding and pruning. You’ll be sore in places you didn’t even know existed.
Gardening also provides a great way to get some Vitamin D due to sun exposure, which is essential for a healthy immune system and strong bones.
Those involved in gardening eat healthier
Gardening is not just about growing plants. It is also about growing healthier and happier individuals. A recent study that The Washington Post wrote about and published in the Lancet Planetary Health has found that individuals who participate in community gardening programs have a healthier lifestyle than those who don’t. The study conducted in Denver and Aurora, Colorado, recruited 291 adults who had not gardened in the last two years and randomly assigned them to either a gardening or non-gardening group. The gardening group was provided with a plot, seeds, seedlings, and an introduction to the gardening course.
The results showed that the gardening group consumed more fruits and vegetables, increased their fiber intake by 7%, and reported less stress and anxiety compared to the non-gardening group. Furthermore, they were more active and had a better overall diet.
Finally, let’s not forget the delicious rewards of your labor when it comes to gardening: fresh fruits and vegetables right from your own backyard. Nothing tastes better than a home-grown tomato unless it’s a home-grown tomato with a dash of salt and a sprinkle of basil.
