The first signals of spring will soon start blossoming and that’s just the right excuse to give your green thumb some coaching. Gardening has long been associated with physical and mental well-being, and it’s easy to see why.
Horticulture doesn’t require a greenhouse or a conservatory to practice. Windowsills, small yards, roofs and even balconies can take any mini cultivation project to botanic grandeur. We’ve rounded up the top 6 reasons why you should take up gardening. By the time you’re finished reading, it will make you wish you knew these facts sooner!
GARDENING… REDUCES STRESS
Don’t let that noise at the back of your head kill your spirits. We all go through tough life patches and there’s no shame in that. Rather than letting it “pass by itself”, which in reality doesn’t work like that, invest some time with a shovel and some flower seeds. Nurturing a living organism lowers your stress hormones, reduces tension and boosts your confidence from new knowledge. Horticulture therapy is a curative approach that yields mental clarity.
GARDENING… BURNS CALORIES
One hour of gardening can help you burn over 300 calories; much more than you can possibly lose in an hour of moderate walking. You might not be aware of it, but all that twisting, bending and pulling is truly a good workout. Some people even substituted their yoga classes for an hour of planting.
GARDENING… BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Immunity against diseases comes from being exposed to germs and building natural antibodies to fight them. Getting wrist deep in soil will accustom you to friendly bacteria found in the soil. This has been proved to lessen symptoms of psoriasis, allergies and asthma. Bask in the light during your landscaping; you will get Vitamin D from the sun, a nutriment which we rarely get from food.
GARDENING… STRENGTHENS YOUR HAND’S FIRMNESS
The ergonometric movement of planting, trimming and pulling strengths hand muscles and keeps them agile. Such exercises are beneficial in particular for senior people, ensuring their grasp remains consistent. Over-exertion is not the goal, however.
GARDENING… INTRODUCES RESPONSIBILITY
We’re all born nurturers; irrespective of our age, gender, abilities and personalities. Gardening builds cognitive skills and sets a purpose behind our activities. Cultivation introduces the concept of caring for living things – a great endeavour to instil self-worth especially in children, people with disabilities and others passing through a moment of self-doubt.
GARDENING… ENHANCES THE SENSES
Nature puts our senses to full play. Smell the freshness of the soil and grass. See the beauty of flowers taking a different form every day. Listen to the movements of living creatures making your pot their home. Touch the softness of the creations you made possible with your own hands. And yes, taste the richness of nature – from the spicy taste of carnations, to the sweet tang of mint.
