We all know that gardening is a great form of physical exercise, but do you know about the positive effect gardening can have on your mental health? In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, most of us know that it’s important to take some time to rest and recharge. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to memory issues, trouble concentrating, and irritability. However, can mental health affect physical health?
Yes, in fact poor mental health can increase your risk of developing a myriad of physical health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even a weakened immune system. Gardening is a great way to help combat the negative effects of stress and give your mental health a much-needed boost.
Stress Reduction
Virtually every form of exercise can help reduce stress levels, and gardening is no exception. Additionally, tending to a garden requires a daily routine. Not only does this give you a purpose and something to look forward to each day, but having a predictable routine also helps alleviate some general anxiety. The soothing, rhythmic tasks involved in gardening such as weeding, watering, digging, and pruning are repetitive, and often meditative, activities.
This offers a great opportunity to practice mindfulness, and focus being in the present moment. Pay close attention to the sound of the water hitting the leaves, the aroma of the flowers, and the feeling of the warm sun on your skin a it infuses your body with vitamin D. Gardening allows you to fully immerse yourself in pleasant and natural sights, sounds, and scents so you can forget about your stress and worries for a while.
Better Nutrition
When it comes to improving mental health, nutrition is an often-overlooked component. Research shows that consuming fresh, high-quality foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals directly affects your brain function. Planting a small vegetable garden is not only gratifying, but it also provides nutritious foods for yourself and your family that you planted, nurtured, and harvested with your own two hands!
Additionally, growing some of your produce at home can help cut costs at the grocery store. With today’s inflated grocery prices, saving more money will also alleviate some stress by giving you the peace of mind of knowing that you have a variety of fresh, nutritious foods right in your own backyard.
Time In Nature Improves Mental Health
Studies show that spending more time in nature is an effective way to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, there is a formal therapeutic treatment called ecotherapy that uses the power of nature to alleviate anxiety and help with mild to moderate depression. Nurturing your connection to nature can improve your mood and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Additionally, spending time outdoors will give you a daily boost of vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin for mental health. In fact, vitamin D deficiency often mimics the symptoms of depression. Getting adequate amounts of vitamin D can help offset some of those debilitating symptoms.
Gardening is a functional, satisfying hobby that helps you reconnect with nature while you enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits it has to offer. To give your mental health a boost this spring, try your hand at gardening and create a tranquil oasis right in your own backyard!
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