Last updated on December 5th, 2023
The feel of damp soil in your hands can be invigorating. And so is the rich earthy scent of upturned Earth when you are repotting your plants. It’s like being in another dimension – you with your plants, the butterflies, and the Sun’s rays for company. Can life get better than this?
And yet, the thought of dirt under the nails can send a shudder down your spine. But hey, when you understand more about the advantages of getting dirty, you will rethink your gardening routine. Let’s see what experts have to say about the benefits of gardening.
A Stress Buster
Studies say that gardening may relieve your stress levels, and that gardening beats reading hands down as a tool to beat stress. A lot has got to do with the peaceful environment in the garden, away from the worries of the world. The focus on planting seedlings, pruning and repotting keeps negative thoughts at bay and improves your mood too. Moreover, the bacteria in the soil may act as antidepressants and improve your immunity too.
A Great Way to Burn Calories
It may not seem like much, but activities such as racking leaves, digging, and carrying bags of soil are great exercises. Most of the muscles in your body will get a workout when you are gardening. It may surprise you to know that you can burn as many as 250-300 calories an hour gardening. For the hardened gardener who does more than repotting plants such as carrying bags of fertilizer and soil, tilling the soil and weeding the garden, the calorie count goes up to 400 per hour. That’s as much or more than you burn at the gym. Other benefits include better sleep, motor function and muscle strengthening.
Protects Against Mental Health Issues in the Elderly
While the body gets exercise during gardening, the mind gets stimulation too. Gardening improves cognitive function and may protect against mental health issues such as dementia. Studies say gardening may lower the risk of dementia by as much as 35%. Also, dementia patients are said to regain some memories when they do gardening regularly.
A Dose of Gardening May Help Combat Heart Disease and Diabetes
Sunlight isn’t something you will find in a bottle of pills. Just like the plants, your body needs fresh air, sunlight and some wholesome outdoor fun. Just pottering around your garden can refresh and revive you. Apart from being associated with better heart health, gardening is also said to help boost immunity and improve bone health. It also keeps depression at bay and regulates the digestive system. Enough reason to go to your garden and get your hands dirty!
Gardening is a Great Way to Meet Like-minded People
Whether it’s people you meet on your walk or the customers at the neighborhood nursery, you will have plenty to talk about when you meet them. The interaction with people who share your interests can be a boon when you are lonely or don’t have family support. This sort of interaction works for young people too, as they can form social circles to discuss their passion for gardening.
It Boosts Self-esteem
The very act of planting a shoot and seeing it grow can be a fulfilling experience. This sense of achievement brings positivity and improves self-esteem. Meaningful activities like racking leaves, watering the plants or trimming the roots can revive your mood. So, let the soil trickle out of your fist and enjoy its positive benefits on your life and soul. However, gardening is a hobby and just poking your fingers into the soil isn’t going to help you. Make a consistent effort to grow your garden, love it and nurture it. It will nurture you back, double-fold.
Summing Up
Gardens are a luxury for many of us. However, you don’t need an expanse of space to develop your hobby. A corner in your balcony can suffice. Houseplants too will provide the same benefits if you nurture them regularly. So, throw off those gloves and enjoy the feel of the life-giving Earth in your fist. We, at homebliss.in, love plants not only as an interesting tool for home decoration but also for well-being and happiness. Check out our website for more gardening tips and home decor ideas.
