Benefits of Gardening
In this fast-paced world, people tend to get carried away with worldly affairs and materialistic things, rather than take care of their own mental health. Individuals ought to identify their hobby and take a break from this hustle-bustle lifestyle and make sure to keep their mental health on track. Being said, even though nature and humans are related, we ought to take time to understand and realise the positive impact that nature has on our health. A few benefits that gardening has on each individual’s life and soul are as follows:
Vitamin D. Gardening being an outdoor activity, helps you get the sufficient amount of vitamin D that your body needs for keeping your bones as well as your immune system healthy. It works best in the morning hours.
Mood-enhancer. This activity is a form of exercise that helps secrete endorphins (hormones that are released during pleasurable activities). The secretion of endorphins reduces anxiety levels and keeps you relaxed and fresh.
Calorie burner. Gardening is a form of low-intensity workout and about 60 minutes of basic gardening can burn up to 330 calories.
Memory guardian. Korean research has proved that gardening can improve brain function and can protect your memory and reduce the future risk of dementia among 60-year-olds.
Addiction therapist. Being surrounded by plants can keep you positive and this is the sole reason why addiction therapy is centred amongst plants. Horticulture therapy is a well-known therapy for treating people with an addiction.
Manages ecoanxiety. American Physiological Association’s research has provided findings that certain people have anxiety watching extreme changes in climatic conditions, which is termed “ecoanxiety.” As recommended by the National Wildlife Foundation, gardening can help overcome this condition.
Reduces blood pressure. A medium-intensity workout of 30 minutes helps reduce hypertension. This can be achieved while gardening and raking leaves.
Gets you healthier. Gardening either on your terrace or your balcony not just helps in workout sessions but also helps in a healthier diet which is attained by growing veggies and fruits in your own space without using chemicals and fertilizers.
Strengthens your hands. Know how? All the digging, planting and harvesting will help strengthen your hand muscles and increases hand coordination. To some extent, gardening cures repetitive stress caused by typing or phone swiping.
Bonds family members. While there are many health advantages to gardening, it also strengthens family bonds as family members work to care for the plants. While the elderly can teach values like care and concern to the younger generation to build relationships, it helps the very young in the family learn patience when taking care of the plants.
Sensory development in children. It helps in developing the five senses (see, feel, hear, smell and taste). They see the different colours of flowers and fruits, they feel the texture of the soil, and the variety of plants, they hear the buzzing of bees and insects, they smell the flowers and taste the veggies or fruits grown in the garden.
Some Tips for You to Follow While Gardening
To protect yourself while gardening outdoors, there are a few steps to keep you safe while enjoying the benefits of gardening. They are:
- Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays, also make sure to wear gloves, proper footwear and sunglasses to protect your hands, feet and eyes respectively.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fluids.
- To save you from cramps and muscle pulls, warmup is very important before you start gardening.
- Make sure to check for safety instructions while using fertilizers, sprays, or any tools.
- Always store gardening tools and equipment in a safe and secluded place.
With so many benefits in line, why not make some time and step out to build that connection with your plants? Think and it’s never too late to start anything and add anything to your list of hobbies…Visit our website www.dharmikgardens.com for ample varieties of plants.
