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4 health benefits of gardening

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The importance of gardening for your mental and physical health can not be underestimated. Gardening is a great way to exercise and relax, and it has a range of other health benefits. Read on for four health benefits of gardening and how it can make your life better.

Did you know that gardening can lower your risk of dementia by over a third?

Researchers in New South Wales, Australia, pursued 2,800 senior citizens for 16 years and discovered that those who actively participated in gardening had much lower rates of dementia. 

Being outside in the fresh air, having fun in the soil, and taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of a lovely garden can all help to reduce stress and lift your mood. That is before you even consider what you end up producing in terms of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Do you need further convincing as to the benefits of gardening before you head off and order a new watering can and lawn mower parts? Read on to find out more. 

#1 It gets you moving

Gardening could actually be classed as moderate-intensity exercise, along with jogging, mountain biking, and lap swimming, and can be just as fun, if not more so. It doesn’t feel like exercise either! Just half an hour can provide the benefits that you need from exercise. Just make sure that you cover up and use a protective natural sunscreen if you are out in the sun and don’t overdo it.

#2 Dirt builds up your immune system

Mycobacterium vaccae is a bacterium found in soil. This is one of the good bacteria, the kind that benefits rather than harms our health. Mycobacterium vaccae has been shown in studies to alleviate the symptoms of a variety of illnesses and conditions such as psoriasis, asthma and allergies. Another way gardening benefits your immune system is through the Vitamin D that your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight. 

#3 It gives you a great mood boost

Being outside in nature, experiencing everything that it has to offer is a massive mood boost. Try it yourself; when you are feeling glum and gloomy, go and spend some time looking at the flowers and watching the comings and goings of the birds and the bees and other wildlife. 

Even NASA researchers have discovered that tending to plants can adequately handle an individual's negative feelings, such as stress, isolation, and loneliness. While being outside in the fresh air can certainly improve one's mood, the mental health benefits also apply when planting seeds in small indoor pots.

Other research findings have investigated the effects of gardening on cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is commonly known as the "stress hormone." You feel calmer when your levels are lower. Cortisol levels that are lower have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, insomnia, and depression.

#4 It can help improve self-confidence

Turning to nature, nurturing something, and watching it grow appears to be nearly fundamental to human well-being. This connection to the natural world also improves people's self-esteem and confidence. After all, what could be more ego-boosting than taking a small, inexplicably inactive seed and planting, watering, and monitoring it until it bears fruit? There is a huge sense of self-worth, pride and purpose. 

Social interaction, physical activity, and the benefits of being outside are all reasons for gardening improving self-confidence. Gardening also offers an opportunity to make something with your hands, which is empowering for many people.

Want a beautiful garden, but can’t do the gardening yourself?

Of course, if you want the benefits of a presentable garden but do not have the time, tooling or mobility you could use a local tree surgery and landscaping gardening service to make your garden beautiful. Be sure to call around as they often offer free quotations and site inspections prior to any financial commitment on your part. Google reviews are a great indicator of a reputable service you might consider.

If you can, get gardening today!

Gardening is a relaxing and therapeutic hobby for many people. Gardening can be a means to escape from the chaos of our daily lives.We tend to forget about the negative thoughts and feelings we may have when we focus on gardening.

Gardening can improve self-confidence in many way, as well as being a great way to get exercise while doing something that feels productive. Having green plants around can help with mental health because they provide natural light, act as air purifiers, and offer habitat to beneficial insects. Gardening also gives people the chance to get their hands dirty and connect with nature.  It doesn't have to be expoensive either.  Check out these cheap DIY garden ideas to transform your garden on a budget!

Enjoy!



Click here for lots more healthy living articles and check out these work-life balance tips for busy people!