How Gardening Is Good For Your Health

Gardening is often seen as a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but did you know it also has a multitude of health benefits? From improving mental health to providing a good source of physical exercise, gardening can be a powerful way to boost your overall well-being. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, or a small patio garden, cultivating a garden can be your gateway to a healthier, happier life. Let’s dig into the 7 ways gardening is great for your health.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are common issues that many people face. Gardening offers a natural remedy to these modern problems. The act of tending to plants and spending time in nature has been shown in the Journal of Health Psychology, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20522508/, to lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Engaging with the soil, watching your plants grow, and enjoying the beauty of your garden can bring a sense of peace and tranquility. This mindful activity helps to distract the mind from daily worries, promoting a state of relaxation.

2. Enhances Physical Fitness

 Gardening is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine without the need for a gym membership. Activities such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering can provide a full-body workout. These tasks can improve your strength, stamina, and flexibility. A study was done determining exercise intensities of gardening tasks as a physical activity using metabolic equivalents in older adults, which was published in HortScience, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281220370_Determining_Exercise_Intensities_of_Gardening_Tasks_as_a_Physical_Activity_Using_Metabolic_Equivalents_in_Older_Adults. Even light gardening can burn calories and help maintain a healthy weight. For those looking to stay active without intense exercise regimes, gardening offers an enjoyable and sustainable option.

3. Boosts Mental Health

 Gardening has been linked to improved mental health outcomes. Studies have found that spending time in green spaces can reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood, Mental Health Review Journal https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-38859-004. The sense of accomplishment that comes from growing your own plants can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Furthermore, the connection with nature and the rhythmic, repetitive tasks involved in gardening can be meditative, fostering mindfulness and reducing negative thoughts. This mental clarity is why gardening is good for your health.

4. Improves Nutrition

Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs ensures that you have access to fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips. This can lead to a healthier diet and improved nutrition. I took time off from this blog to work on my own garden and start a fitness routine. I wanted to eat most of my calories and more protein from my garden. Homegrown produce often has higher nutrient levels compared to store-bought options while legumes pack the extra protein older gardeners need. Additionally, gardening encourages incorporation of more fruits and vegetables into meals, promoting a balanced and nutritious diet. The physical act of gardening, combined with the consumption of your fresh produce, creates a holistic approach to health.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

Regular exposure to the outdoors and to the microorganisms in soil can help strengthen your immune system. Gardening involves getting your hands dirty, which can introduce beneficial bacteria to your body. These bacteria can boost your immune function and even improve your gut health. Additionally, moderate sun exposure while gardening helps your body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Just remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!

6. Promotes Better Sleep

Engaging in physical activities like gardening can lead to better sleep patterns. The physical exertion helps tire your body out, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Moreover, the reduction in stress and anxiety from gardening can also contribute to improved sleep quality. A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health, influencing everything from cognitive function to immune strength.

7. Fosters Social Connections

Gardening can also be a social activity, especially if you join community gardens or gardening clubs. These social connections can improve mental health by reducing feelings of loneliness and providing a support network.  Our kampung (village) has its own community garden where I promote the benefits of more veggies in popular curries in Malaysian cuisine.  Sharing tips or recipies, exchanging plants, and working together on gardening projects can create a sense of community and belonging. Social interactions are vital for emotional well-being, and gardening provides a natural way to cultivate these connections. This is my #1 way gardening is good for your health.

Conclusions About Gardening For Good Health

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a holistic activity that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. From reducing stress and boosting mental health to improving physical fitness and nutrition, the benefits of gardening are extensive. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, the act of tending to plants can profoundly enhance your health and well-being. So, grab your gloves and start digging into the health benefits of gardening today! Let me know in the comments if you thinks these 7 ways will benefit your health!