In this period of uncertainty, it’s important to find something to bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment. Some people choose to learn a new language or start painting but for some, spending time gardening, nurturing plants and trees can be a true blessing. There are plenty of studies out there singing the praise of gardening for both physical and mental health. Below are seven incredible benefits from partaking in the activity of gardening.
Mental Clarity
Between the news, the constant need to be connected with your loved ones and the stress of juggling work and family, it can be pretty hard to feel ‘zen’ right now. For some of us, it may even bring stress, anxiety or depression. Gardening is one of those activities that doesn’t expect you to be on top of it or rush through things, you can just come as you please and enjoy nature. It’s a bubble, away from the tumult of it all. According to the King’s fund study, gardening has “shown significant reductions in depression and anxiety, improved social functioning and wider effects, including opportunities for vocational development.”
Self-Sufficiency
Now more than ever, being self-sufficient and not relying on supermarkets and other people can be a benediction. A vegetable garden can be an amazing way to have fruits, herbs and vegetables on demand, all you need is a little green space and some tools. Of course, some patience and resourcefulness may be required but the benefits are so worth it. If you have enough space, you could even have a polytunnel or a greenhouse to give you the ability to grow exotic fruits that you cannot find anywhere such as chilies or avocadoes.
Getting moving
For some, it may be difficult to find the motivation to go out for a run or to take instruction from a workout video in your living room for example. You may have some physical issues or be a senior and therefore you may find it difficult to move around too much, however we all know that exercise is essential for our well-being. In fact, it has been proven that doing some low impact exercise could reduce your risk of a heart attack or a stroke by 35%. Gardening is the perfect low impact activity that could be just what you need to get you moving. You can actually burn a significant number of calories in just 30 minutes.
Gardening has been proven to significantly change people’s lives in one way or another. It’s great for your mind and your body, so next time you’re thinking of an activity to start, then why not go outside and start your very own vegetable patch?