Health Benefits Of Gardening
The health benefits of gardening are manifold. Can you name one? Whether you already have ideas in mind or not, below we will tell you what are the benefits of this activity.
The beauty of the result, the joy of connecting with nature, growing our own food when possible. And of course, the relaxation that the process implies. That is why it tops the lists of favorite hobbies in most of the world. Today it is practiced in many homes and by different classes of people.
Throughout the centuries, gardens of all varieties have been considered places of tranquility and peace. In them you can escape to reflect. This has given rise to the concept of horticultural therapy, which has been growing in popularity today.
What is horticultural therapy?
According to the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA), “Horticultural therapy uses plants and the natural world to enhance the social, spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of the people involved.”
According to an article published in 2017, although it is considered an appropriate and complementary therapy to treat a variety of conditions, more research is still needed to determine its benefits. But they are not the only benefits of gardening, here are some more.
Health benefits of gardening
They promote well-being
It’s hard not to enjoy life when you’re surrounded by flowers, vegetables, and all the wildlife they attract. Plus, science now backs it up.
Researchers at Loyola Maymount University in California conducted an investigation into the matter. They investigated a municipal gardening program in Australia, in which participants could be seen to describe experiential and social well-being benefits. Additionally, participants also experienced strengthened connections with nature, place, and community.
Lowers the risk of osteoporosis
Gardening, along with all the physical activity that it requires, leads to weight loss.
Improves overall physical health, helping to strengthen bones as well.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas conducted a study of 3,310 older women and found that those who participated in gardening had lower rates of osteoporosis than those who were or were athletes, swimmers and aerobics practitioners.
This probably has to do with the fact that gardening is akin to weight training. Pulling or pulling weeds, digging holes or carrying heavy things (soil, abobo, flowerpots) strengthens us.
Lowers the risk of diabetes
One of the main components of managing diabetes properly is getting enough physical exercise.
A Kansas State University study found that those gardeners who were active got 150 minutes of exercise per week (more than the recommended amount).
If you use your garden to grow your own food, you will have, in addition to exercise, another diabetes control tool at your disposal. Fresh and organic products! The research also mentions that diabetes rates are lower in areas with community gardens.
Beneficial for mental health
The mental health benefits of gardening are so strong that it can help people with mental health problems cope with their conditions.
According to a study published in 2013 in the Mental Health Review Journal, gardening would be able to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Relieves tension and stress
A study carried out by researchers from the Netherlands in 2010 concluded that gardening can combat stress. Even better than other relaxing leisure activities.
During the study, two groups of people performed a stressful task. Then one group was instructed to practice reading indoors and the other to garden outdoors for 30 minutes. The result reported that the gardening group had a better mood and lower levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) than the reading group.
The sights, smells, and sounds of a garden promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Helps fight depression
Effortless attention to gardening can even help improve symptoms of depression.
In a Norwegian study, people who had been diagnosed with depression, persistent low mood, or “bipolar II disorder” spent six hours a week growing flowers and vegetables.
After three months, half of the participants had experienced considerable improvement in their depression symptoms. In addition to this, her mood continued to be better three months after the gardening program ended.
Get better and more delicious nutrition
Food that you grow yourself is the freshest food you can get. Most home gardens are full of fruits and vegetables. The healthiest foods!
All you need is a simple garden
You don’t need a large backyard or green space to benefit from gardening. If you have very little space or experience, you can start with just a few plants. Well inside your home or in containers.
For example, to grow a delicious cherry tomato crop , you only need a bucket with holes in the bottom.
The main objectives and benefits of gardening, in addition to promoting your health, are to express your creativity through plant life, try new things and obtain a meaningful achievement for your efforts.
They can also offer you fresh and healthy food. And the joy of seeing the plants nourish and flourish, creating a wildlife space in your home.
The longer you are in your garden, the more you will realize how much gardening benefits you can get. Starting with your body and extending to your mental health and creative capacity all the way to your soul.
