How can home gardening contribute to mental and physical health?
In my role as a nutritionist and dietician, I'm often asked what factors can help improve mental and physical well-being. Home gardening is one of these aspects. This article will examine whether or not home gardening has a positive impact on both our mental and physical well-being. Expect to find out about home gardening's importance, its advantages, and how to start. Let's get started.
Gardening at Home is Good for Your Mental and Physical Health
It's not only about the food you grow, but also nurturing a hobby which has significant benefits for both your mental and physical well-being. Journal of Public Health reported that just gardening 30 minutes per day could lower the cortisol level, which is the stress hormone. The reduction of stress can improve mental health.
Gardening is a low impact activity that involves bending, lifting and stretching. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that these exercises can improve mobility and flexibility and may even help with cardiovascular health. The sunlight exposure from gardening is also important for Vitamin D production, vital to bone and immune health.
Get Started in Home Gardening
You don't need a large backyard to start a garden at home, nor do you require advanced gardening knowledge. Start with easy-to-maintain herbs, flowers, and vegetables in small containers or pots. According to research from the University of Florida, simple gardening can have the same benefits for your mental and physical well-being as a large garden.
Protect yourself when gardening. To prevent injury, wear sunblock, drink plenty of water, and warm up before you engage in strenuous activities.
Gardening can boost mental and physical health.
- The Journal of Health Psychology published a study that found gardening could decrease cortisol, leading to an improved mood and reduced anxiety.
- You can increase your physical fitness. According to the National Institutes of Health, gardening is a moderately intense exercise that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
- A review published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that gardening encourages healthy food consumption. Growing fruits and vegetables yourself can lead to an increase of the fresh fruit and vegetable intake, and this is associated with better health overall.
- The 'friendly bacteria' present in soil can help to boost your immunity, according to a study from the University of Colorado Boulder.
- The benefits of gardening for mental health are well documented. A recent meta-analysis published in Preventive Medical Reports found that gardeners can experience a reduction in symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
- The Sleep Foundation suggests that gardening and other physical activities can help improve sleep.
- The benefits of gardening include fostering social relationships. Community gardens create bonds between neighbors, and can promote a feeling of belonging.
- You can feel a sense accomplishment by watching your plants thrive and grow.
More Tips on Gardening to Improve Health
Enjoy the gardening process. Focus on the process and not the result. Use gardening to practice mindfulness or meditation. Keep hydrated and protect your skin from sunburns while you are working in the yard. Don't forget, most importantly, to enjoy the beautiful nature you nurture in your backyard.
Conclusion
Home gardening is a great way to improve your mental and physical well-being. This calming hobby can help reduce stress, boost mood, promote physical fitness, instill healthy eating habits and increase immunity. If you have been thinking about starting your own garden, now is the time to do it. It has many health benefits.
.