Gardening is not just a fun activity to do during your free time; it is also very beneficial to our health and well-being. Here are some of the reasons why gardening is a healthy hobby:
Gardening has a lot to give, from therapeutic qualities to environmental advantages, to improved health outcomes. It is an enjoyable activity that can benefit everyone, regardless of their age or level of health. So grab your gardening tools and get moving!
Is Gardening a Healthy Hobby?
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that is enjoyed by many people around the world. From growing beautiful flowers to homegrown fruits and vegetables, gardening has numerous benefits for both your physical and mental health. In fact, gardening has been shown to reduce stress, increase physical activity, boost mental health, encourage family bonding, and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In this article, we will explore the many ways gardening can improve your health and overall well-being.
Connecting with Nature and Reducing Stress through Gardening
Gardening allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It provides a sense of tranquility and relaxation, allowing you to escape from the stresses of everyday life. In fact, a study conducted by the Royal Horticultural Society found that gardening can reduce levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and improve mood and well-being. Additionally, the physical activity of gardening can release endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that promote happiness and reduce anxiety.
Some ways gardening reduces stress are:
- Feeling a sense of accomplishment in planting and growing
- Relaxing in green environments
- Being a mindful activity that helps you forget about the stresses of life
- Experiencing productivity and an escape from hectic routines
The Physical Benefits of Gardening: A Workout without the Gym
Gardening is an excellent way to stay physically active without going to the gym. Gardening requires a variety of physical movements, such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering, that engage different muscle groups and burn calories. In fact, a study conducted by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that gardening can burn up to 330 calories per hour.
Additionally, gardening provides exposure to vitamin D which can strengthen your bones and build immunity. Although sometimes considered a light activity, your body benefits as gardening demands for consistent bent movements, carrying, digging, pruning, and weeding, amongst others.
Boosting Your Mental Health and Well-Being with Gardening
Gardening has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. It can promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gardening allows you to create a sense of accomplishment when you are able to nurture plants and watch them grow.
In addition to the immediate mental benefits, there are long-term benefits. Gardeners report being more satisfied with lives and have a more optimistic outlook. The nurturing of plants and taking care of nutrition requirements of plants can also help one’s sense of compassion and connection with the environment.
Gardening as a Family Activity: Bonding and Making Memories
Gardening can be a fun and rewarding family activity that promotes togetherness and strengthens bonds. Planting, watering, and harvesting a garden can provide opportunities for family members to work together, share responsibilities, and create lasting memories. In addition, gardening helps in teaching children about the process of growing plants, where their food comes from, and to nurture and take care of nature.
From Garden to Table: The Joy and Health Benefits of Eating Homegrown Produce
Harvesting and eating homegrown produce can provide numerous health benefits. Homegrown foods are fresher and more nutritious than store-bought produce. By growing your own fruits and veggies, you can ensure that they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides that commercial farming may use. Eating organic produce also tastes significantly better than store-bought produce as it retains more of its natural flavors.
Additionally, homegrown produce encourages a healthier diet. Since you have put the time and effort into growing the food, you are more inclined to eat it rather than waste it.
Cultivating a Sense of Purpose and Accomplishment through Gardening
Gardening can provide a sense of accomplishment, pride, and purpose. Tending to a garden requires dedication, patience, and hard work, and the results are rewarding. When we grow our own food and watch it grow to maturity, we feel a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-esteem and happiness.
Furthermore, gardening involves critical thinking in decision making, creativity in how to combine produces, and knowledge in cosmovision as it pertains to planting times, seed combinations, and alternative planting such as hydroponics.
In conclusion, gardening is not only a relaxing and enjoyable hobby but also has numerous health benefits for both the body and mind. Gardening provides a way to connect with nature, exercise, reduce stress, boost mental health and well-being, create family bonding moments, eat healthier with homegrown produce, and gain a sense of accomplishment and purpose. With so many benefits, there is no reason why you should not add gardening to your self-care routine.
