Monday, March 14, 2016

5 Reasons You Should Garden Often

5 Reasons Why You Should Garden Often
Gardening is a relaxing way to escape the stresses of daily life, but this hobby has other benefits that may well surprise you. From banishing stress to improving brain health and even boosting the immune system, here are five reasons you should be gardening more often.



Improves fitness
All that digging, weeding and planting goes a long way. In fact, it’s a form of low impact exercise than can burn plenty of calories and significantly decrease the risk of heart disease. Not only has it been proven to reduce symptoms in those with high blood pressure, it can also avoid the onset of osteoporosis. The movements carried out are friendly on the joints, which is good news for your posture and flexibility.

Fights stress
The physical benefits may be impressive but the joys of gardening don’t stop there. Spending time outdoors organizing and tidying your garden works wonders for your mental well-being. It’s one of the easiest methods to lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. If that wasn't enough, scientists have recently discovered that soil contains a harmless airborne bacteria that has anti-depressant properties. Inhaled by gardeners when carrying out simple tasks, this has been shown to increase production of the happy hormone, serotonin.

Enhances brain health
Two separate studies have set out to determine the impact gardening can have on lowering the risk of dementia. Although findings weren't definitive, they did suggest that those who gardened regularly had up to 47% less chance of developing the disease. Start gardening from an early age and you could help maintain cognitive function long into your senior years.

Strengthens immunity
The combination of reducing stress and becoming more physically active can have a major beneficial impact on your immune system. Gardening for twenty minutes per day in the sunshine can dramatically increase your Vitamin D levels. This diminishes the risk of catching colds or flu and will also increase the uptake of calcium for healthier bones.


Encourages better nutrition
In recent studies, gardeners have been found to eat more nutritious foods than those who don’t. Whether you have a small vegetable patch or overflowing allotment, growing your own food can give you your five a day. Besides, home-grown produce always tastes better and is free from nasty pesticides.
With so many reasons to garden, there has never been a better time to start. Commit a small amount of time each week and you can start reaping the rewards.


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6 comments:

  1. Gardening is good for us, so true. Nice post.

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  2. It is definately good for stress busting. I feel a real calmness when the sun is on my face and my hands are in the dirt. My crocus are blooming - early, but so welcome :-)

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  3. This is nice and I agree with the stress re leaver. When life gets me down I just go to the garden sometimes I don't even need to work in it. Just sit, relax and enjoy. Love the sunflowers on your header.

    Carole @ Garden Up Green

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  4. What a perfect segue to spring! Nature is so good for us and gardening gives us hands-on time with Mother Earth. I'd love for you to share this on The Maple Hill Hop!

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  5. I did not know it was good for your health! I have a horrid immune system. I am going to make sure I check the flower boxes more often. My strawberries seem to be turning green.

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  6. Lots of wisdom in this post. Gardening is good for a lot of what ails you!

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