Gardening is not only good for your physical health, they can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Being outdoors can reduce depression, anger and stress. Many people are proud of their garden. They have green fingers and love gardening. In addition, gardening also brings health benefits!
Did you know, for example, that you can burn 200 to 300 kilocalories per hour? Just by weeding or planting flowers? You can burn even more calories while mowing your lawn! No less than 250 to 350 calories per hour.
Below we will discuss 11 reasons why gardening is good for your health.
1. Reduced risk of a stroke
According to the British Medical Journal, gardening can help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. In the 60+ age group, regular gardening can even significantly increase life expectancy!
2. Burn calories
Gardening can be a tough workout. Depending on what you do and for how long of course. A simple hour of gardening can help you burn up to 330 kilocalories. A perfect alternative to the gym!
3. Stress reduction
Gardening as a form of exercise can be good for you. It helps to release endorphins in your body.
Endorphins are the hormones that make you feel satisfied and relaxed.
Moreover, direct sunlight can improve your mood! During the winter months, depression is more likely to occur due to a lack of sunlight. As soon as you enjoy gardening outside, you can replenish your vitamin D levels as well. This in turn results in a better mood!
4. Improved immune system
Another advantage of the sun? As we just said, the sun provides vitamin D. Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium better. This keeps your bones strong and provides a healthier immune system.
This also makes you more resistant to annoying flu.
5. Responsibility and satisfaction
Maintaining a garden and keeping plants alive is a big responsibility. This can be beneficial for people with mental health problems or people looking for self-esteem and satisfaction.
6. Free anger therapy
If you’ve had a bad day, grabbing a shovel and doing heavy pruning can be a good way to get rid of your negative feelings.
In addition, destroying weeds before they take over the garden can also be very satisfying.
7. Improve your senses
Spending time in the garden is a great way to improve your senses. With all the different scents, colours and textures of plants around you, you can easily get the best out of your senses. This can be especially valuable for young children who learn about the different senses they have.
8. Growing fruit and vegetables
Growing fruit and vegetables in your own garden is a win-win situation. You burn calories and vegetables, and they contribute to a good diet.
9. Reduced risk of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that can weaken bones and therefore increase the risk of a bone fracture. By gardening regularly, you will train all major muscle groups. This can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
10. Reduced risk of dementia
Research has shown that exercising physical activity such as gardening can help reduce the risk of dementia.
11. Clear your mind
Once you’re gardening, you don’t have to worry. All the bills you have to pay, upcoming deadlines at work or other stressful situations. Breathe in the fresh air, pay attention to the garden and forget your worries.
