As the temperatures continue to warm we are likely to be out cutting, planting and playing in the green spaces.
This is great news for our bodies as well as our minds because gardening can provide significant benefits to both physical and mental wellbeing. Gardening can be a great way to fight anxiety, depression and loneliness.
We’ve probably learned through our own experience that the bright colors of flowers and the sunshine are a potent antidote to moods that aren’t stellar. Being outside and playing in the dirt, focusing on taking care of a plant as it grows from seeds can give us both feelings of calm and fulfillment that can help keep depression and anxiety at the bay.
Science supports this as well.
A study discovered that engaging with plants boosts self-esteem, and lessens feelings of sadness, anger and anxiety. Also, it keeps people connected to their communities and can provide social opportunities. These factors are crucial to maintaining good mental health.
The garden is a great place to keep the brain active
The study discovered that gardening every day can lower the risk of developing dementia by as much as 36 percent. A study in 2019 released in the International Journal of Environmental Health also revealed that gardening with vegetables could boost brain growth factors that are related to memory and may improve the function of the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and the cortical areas of the brain.
Gardening can help reduce depression and anxiety and improve the feeling of happiness and joy, all of which lead to a happier, healthier and more resilient brain.
Gardening is good for the hands.
The planting of seeds, the mulching of rows and pruning sprouts that aren’t a good fit, harvesting vegetables; these gardening chores might not seem like much of work. However, they’re a lot of work, particularly for hands that get older.
Gardening, as well as using gardening tools that these tasks require, are excellent ways to safeguard and increase hand strength according to the findings of a Kansas State University study. This can also help increase the hand’s dexterity.
Those suffering from conditions such as arthritis can also discover that gardening eases symptoms.
A garden that is maintained can help reduce inflammation and help lower blood pressure.
The time spent with trees and plants can be physically relaxing, like playing a couple of rounds at roulette Casino777, but it also has an impact on vital physical health indicators, like high blood pressure, inflammation and blood sugar.
The study released in the American Society for Horticultural Science studied the effects of gardening in the community on women aged over 70 who were part of the 15-session gardening course. Researchers discovered that moderate to low physical activity while gardening reduced the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the amount of oxidative stress that the body produces.
A different research study showed that gardening can decrease mortality and morbidity among older participants suffering from heart disease.
Gardening keeps cortisol levels low
It’s been known for years that being outside in nature can lower stress levels. A small space on the patio with a few potted plants can create levels of relaxation and lessen anxiety.
Additionally, gardening itself provides vitamin D, and the potential for creativity and relaxation that mindfulness gardening provides helps reduce cortisol levels. According to the American Institute of Stress, this is good for overall health
Beyond its mental and medical wellbeing benefits, it is important to can tell anecdotally that gardening can be an easy pleasure, one that brings real happiness and peace to the life of people who enjoy gardening.
Sometimes, there’s nothing better to take to a pastime than this.
