Gardening and spending time in the garden keeps us physically active, and digging and planting may help in physical health But can gardening enhance mental well-being? Landscapes and gardens have for a long time been used as places to get away from the stress of daily life. It turns out there are lots of reasons why gardening could make us feel more relaxed.
It’s no surprise really considering how much time most people spend in their gardens, particularly ones with garden structures like sheds.
Reduce stress hormones and providing us with a sense satisfaction are only two ways that gardening can improve our mental health. We talked to organizations that utilize gardening to aid those with mental health issues and asked them about the direct impact of gardening have had for their health. their responses were encouraging and positive!
The benefits of Ecotherapy are improving mental health By Being Outside
Ecominds was established through the Mental Health charity Mind. Between 2009 between 2009 and 2013, Mind supported 130 eco-friendly projects across England and a number of them remain in operation, with ecotherapy providing various programs that aim to improve your physical and mental well-being by engaging in actions in nature.
Ecotherapy can help manage current mental health issues. It is practiced in both urban and rural locations, like farms, gardens, parks and woodlands. It could involve activities that concentrate on being in nature for example, gardening, conservation, or farming.
What are the benefits of Gardening?
1. Lower chance of having stroke
2. Burns calories
3. Stress relief
4. Increased immunity
5. Responsibilities
6. Live in the present
7. Free anger management
8. Sensory
9. Growing vegetables and fruits
10. Reduces osteoporosis
11. Lower risk of developing dementia
12. A state of mind that is altered
A lot of people are proud of their gardens. They’re keen gardeners who love the scent of fresh flowers while gardening. With that comes many health benefits. What are the 12 main reasons gardening is healthy for you?
Have you ever thought that doing things like pulling weeds or planting flowers can make you burn between 200 and 400 calories in an hour? However when you cut your lawn you can be burning between 250-350 calories every hour.
It is not just an a great exercise but it also can improve your mental health as well. Outdoor activities can lower anger, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, gardening is beneficial for you because it reduces the risk of getting sick, like osteoporosis and stroke and also boost your immunity.
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1. Lower Risk of Stroke
According to the British Medical Journal gardening can reduce the chance of having a heart attack or stroke. If you look at the 60+ age group, gardening can prolong the life of a person by 30%..
2. Burns Calories
Gardening is a strenuous workout, based on what you do and duration. One hour of gardening can help you burn as much as 300 calories. In addition, if you plant for 3-4 hours, you will get as much energy like you did from an hour of exercise. It is possible to accomplish this by doing simple gardening chores such as mow the lawn, or cutting hedges.
Thus, the National Institute of Health recommends 30 minutes of gardening three to five times a week. This could be the ideal alternative for those who do not want to join a fitness center, making gardening a great exercise option for those who like exercise that is low-intensity.
3. Stress Relief
Gardening as a type of fitness can be beneficial to your health as it assists in the release endorphins, the chemical which helps people feel relaxed and content. Additionally, being outdoors in direct sun can improve your mood. Similar to Seasonal Affective Disorder It is a kind of depression that is common in winter when sunlight is limited.
Researchers have discovered that the amount of stress hormone that is present in your brain , known as cortisol, could be decreased through gardening. The high levels of cortisol within the brain can affect people’s memory and ability to learn.
4. Improved Immune System
Another advantage of sunlight is that it helps to absorb lots in Vitamin D. Simply put, Vitamin D helps your body take in calcium. This,, in turncan maintain your bones and keep your immune system in good shape. Vitamin D deficiencies are a prevalent issue across the UK Studies have shown that one out of five Brits are deficient in this nutrient within their bodies.
The more time you spend outdoors and outdoors helps to increase the levels Vitamin D within your body. This allows your body to absorb more calcium which helps strengthen bones and your immune system more healthy.
5. Responsibilities
Gardening is a way to give an objective and worth. The fact that we have a living thing to take care of, like the plants that you plant provides us with an obligation. It can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from mental health problems as it’s a great way to keep them engaged and engaged.
6. In the Moment in the Moment
The feeling of being outside in your garden and observing the changing of the seasons at times they occur can make you feel more connected in the wider world. It’s like being in a cubicle for all day long with only the view of a window . It can cause time to fly by and before you know you’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve once more. Thus, spending time outside and observing the blooming of flowers can be a fantastic way to stay on top of the time.
7. Free Anger Therapy
If you’ve had an unpleasant day, simply reaching for an old shovel and performing some digging, or dramatic pruning can be a good option to clear your emotional baggage. In addition, eliminating unwanted weeds and brambles is an efficient way to release frustration because if you do not remove them, they will soon grow up and take over your yard!
The ability to escape your daily stress by working in the garden is a wonderful way to unwind because gardening can be a source of the growth and rejuvenation. Your plants will encroach on your garden if you don’t trim them. Therefore, you must cut them back whenever you’re stressed.
8. Sensory
Being at the park is an excellent method to improve your senses. With the variety of smells colors and textures of plants , you can effectively get the most out of the body’s senses. This can be especially useful for children in the early stages of learning about the various senses they possess.
9. Growing vegetables and fruits
The growing of vegetables and fruits in your backyard can be beneficial for your health as you can include these fruits and vegetables into your diet. Tomatoes, apples, carrots, growing in your garden could aid you in reaching the daily five-a-day.
Imagine your garden growing with fresh fruits, vegetables and other herbs . It is sure to be a motivator to continue the healthier lifestyle you’ve always wanted! When you begin eating an nutrient-rich diet, you’re setting the stage to be healthier in the years to come.
10. Reduces Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that can weaken bones and increases the chance of a fractured bone. So, by gardening regularly you’ll be able to perform repetitive tasks which will ensure that every major muscle group get a great workout. This could help lower the chance of developing osteoporosis.
11. Reduction in the risk of dementia
There is research which suggests that the physical activities like gardening may reduce the likelihood to develop dementia. One example is a study that followed a group of individuals in their 60s and 70s over 16 years discovered that those who regularly gardened experienced a 36% to 47% lower chance of developing dementia as compared to people who did not garden.
12. A Changed State of Consciousness
Gardening can assist you in getting into the “zone”. This is also known to be an altered state mind where you go to a mystical and spiritual space that allows you to feel the best version of yourself that you truly are. Like the state that athletes is experiencing prior to or during a game or the state of mind you feel in meditation or yoga.
After you’ve started gardening, you won’t have to think about the bills that you have to pay, the deadlines you’ll have to meet at work or even people who’ve done something that might offend you. Take a breath of fresh air, pay some time to your garden, and forget about any worries you might be facing.
Conclusion
All in all, regularly gardening is proved to benefit people in numerous ways. There are health benefits that aid in reducing the chance of having a heart attack, to relaxing after a long day. What’s better than being fit and living an active lifestyle while creating your garden a beautiful space you’ll enjoy spending time in.
The gardening process no longer has to be considered an obligation, but instead an investment in your health and well-being.