Gardening can heal us in almost every way. Exercising in the soil strengthens our bones, muscles and hearts. Eating fresh vegetables increases our immunity. Even the simple act of spending time with plants is known to reduce stress and boost our moods. Researchers have recently proven what gardeners have long known: there aren't many better ways of improving our health, and that of our loved ones, than tending plants together in the great outdoors.
Reduces Stress
Sometimes just hearing the word 'gardening' can reduce our stress levels. Besides giving us a reprieve from other distractions, cultivating plants helps our bodies and minds return to a state of equilibrium. And in case we weren't convinced, researchers in the Netherlands have recently shown that merely 30 minutes of gardening helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Boosts your Immune System
Our immune system operates best when our bodies are relaxed and in a state of equilibrium. So it shouldn't surprise us that gardening also boosts our immunity. Recent studies have also shown that exposure to healthy bacteria in the soil may stimulate better immune responses. It turns out that we benefit quite a bit from having a bit of dirt under our fingernails!
Improves your Nutrition
If you're a gardener, chances are you've had the pleasure of tasting fresh garden vegetables. These veggies contain more nutrients than conventional and even organically farmed produce. (Healthy vegetable garden soil is key!) The vitamins and minerals not only fortify your immunity but help your body in every way—from enhancing brain function to reducing symptoms of chronic illness. You don't need to go far to find research on this topic, but the best studies happen with your tastebuds!
Strengthens your Body
Gardening is a full-body exercise that you can do for free, and best of all, outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Instead of isolating individual muscles, it allows you to strengthen and stretch your body in whole movements. You don't have to worry about counting reps or keeping track of time, and meanwhile, you'll absorb vitamin D from the sun.
Enhances Happiness
Simply put, growing food can help you feel good. Psychologists have been studying this for decades, but it's really not that mysterious. When you're working your body under the blue sky, surrounded by flowering plants and eating garden veggies, it's hard not to feel happy.
Caring for a plant lets you feel a sense of accomplishment, and makes the world ever-so-slightly more peaceful and beautiful. If you need time away from the madness, gardening is your ticket. But it's also a great way to bond with friends and family.
Builds Family Bonds
If you find yourself at home, wondering what to do with the family, gardening is a golden opportunity. It's a season-long project that you can do with grandparents and kids. Not only is veggie gardening free, but it can actually reduce the grocery bill! It also gives kids the chance to play, explore, and use their brains, and at the end of the year, you will have accomplished something together.
In times when we need to strengthen our health, gardening provides powerful solutions. Something as simple as putting a seed in the ground can help our families heal, enhance our happiness, and strengthen our community during those times when we need each other the most. If you need any gardening advice or materials delivered at this time, please don't hesitate to contact our garden center. We're here to help!