Due to this whole ‘pandemic’ thing, many of us have found ourselves with more time on our hands. Some are doing the things they love, some of us are discovering new hobbies and some have even dug up some old hobbies. With that in mind, all I have been hearing is ‘I have been doing a lot of gardening’ Which got me thinking, why? Why do so many people enjoy gardening?
This prompted me to wonder why do people get such enjoyment out of this hobby and what benefits to oneself does gardening actually have? So from my research I have come up with some interesting facts about gardening. So here we go..
Heath Benefits:
- Staying active – this could be as strenuous as mowing the lawn, or as gentle as getting a good stretch and practice stabilising yourself while kneeling, sitting or reaching.In fact, gardening is a recommended activity as it can encourage the use of many motor skills, improve endurance and strength and keep you moving.
- Eating healthy – watching the plants sprout and grow and waiting until fruit and veggies are ripe and ready to eat can help build your enthusiasm and excitement about healthy foods.The effect works on everyone, not just those with hard-to-please tastes. Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs will encourage you to eat seasonally, add more variety to your diet, encourage you to prepare homemade healthy dishes and learn to appreciate fresh produce.
- Relax and meditate – Gardening is also a great way to relax, providing opportunities to still the mind and get away from the busyness of everyday life. There is even evidence to suggest that gardening can help ease symptoms of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.Whether you’re gardening by yourself, or getting the whole family involved, it’s a great way to spend some time outdoors, away from screens and to-do lists, and engage with nature. From repetitive tasks like weeding that provide opportunity for meditation, to practicing patience while waiting for plants to grow, gardening is a great exercise for your mind as well as your body.
- Breath Easier – Gardening doesn’t have to be an outdoor activity – there are many varieties of plants that can be grown inside, too. As well as making rooms look nice, indoor plants can help improve air quality in enclosed spaces. Some studies also suggest that indoor plants can boost the concentration and focus of office workers.Not all plants will grow well indoors, so you’ll need to research which varieties will grow well in the lighting and temperature of your room.
Reference: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/health-benefits-of-gardening