Why it’s so good for you to plant seeds and pull out weeds.
The list of health benefits gained from gardening keeps growing, and fans everywhere are ‘digging’ the rewards!
Gardening
does more than just boost curb appeal and get your hands dirty. Studies show
that it has benefits for our health, both mental and physical. According to a 2016 study, there are numerous
proven outcomes associated with gardening. If you were thinking of spending the
rest of your isolation indoors, think again. Now might be the perfect time to
plant some seeds and pull out the weeds. Here are four of the health benefits
of gardening.
Benefit #1: Lower Your BMI
The
Body Mass Index (BMI) scale has long been used as a way to calculate body fat
percentages. As we know, having a BMI too high for your age, gender, and frame
isn’t healthy. According to one study, participants who
gardened regularly had significantly lower BMIs than the non-gardeners. Why?
Gardening
is as much a physical activity as a therapeutic one. You’re digging up the
ground, moving soil bags, pulling out weeds, and patting down topsoil over
seeds. There’s more exercise involved than you’re aware of. If you want to lose
weight this quarantine, get outside and start gardening.
Benefit #2: Skyrocket Your Spirits
In
2016, NASA studied the effects of gardening
on astronauts. They found that gardening from small pots with LED lamps
was enough to boost the astronauts’ moods and lift their spirits. It relieved
some of their stress and gave them an activity to practice mindfulness during.
If
you’re on a roller coaster of emotions these days (aren’t we all), gardening
might be right for you. Nurturing plants takes your focus away from your stress
and makes you feel connected to nature. Plus, you get to spend time outdoors
which increases your vitamin D intake.
Benefit #3: Improves Your Mental Health
Plans
are uncertain right now and finding things to look forward to is tough. This
can make you feel anxious and sad. When you garden, you’re restoring your hope
for the future. You’re planting a seed which you believe will become a flower with
the right nurturing. Yes, it’s symbolic. But it’s also effective. You can’t
look forward to a spring vacation right now, but you can look forward to
creating a salad just from the veggies in your garden. For many, that glimmer
of hope brings joy and excitement.
Benefit #4: Lowers Your Risk for Sickness and Disease
We’re
all washing our hands like crazy right now, but did you know that some dirt
under your fingernails can be good for you? Specifically, dirt from
the soil in your garden. It contains microbial organisms that co-evolved with
the immune systems of humans. This bacterium can aid in your immune system’s
vitality. While you still want to be washing your hands regularly, you can
worry less about dirt from the garden.
Furthermore,
one study found that gardening can
decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke by 30 percent. This is because of
the physical exercises included in typical gardening. Without knowing it,
you’re strengthening your heart while tending to your sprouts.
Gardening
is a therapeutic hobby that millions of people enjoy each year. Now you can
indulge in your hobby even more because it is proven to be beneficial to your
health.