According to a National Gardening Survey, did you know that more people in the United States than ever before are gardening?
Due to the pandemic, more and more people are finding joy outdoors and working with their hands. They're also finding that they can grow some common fruits and vegetables right in their backyards.
However, there are more gardening benefits than what you can grow–you'll also be improving the quality of your life.
Keep reading to learn the top five health benefits of gardening that you can enjoy today!
Even though you don't usually think of gardening as exercise, you are benefiting your body! You'll get anywhere from light to moderate exercise, depending on what you're doing outside. Bending, squatting, raking, watering plants, and weeding all contribute to your physical activity.
Over time, this regular exercise can help you diminish age-related weight gain and help you sleep better at night.
If you suffer from poor self-esteem, anxiety, or depression, you'll find that regular gardening can help alleviate these issues. According to a 2011 study, gardening consistently had significant benefits for people suffering from clinical depression.
When you focus on your home garden each day, this state of mindfulness can greatly relieve anxiety. And as you watch your plants and vegetables grow, you'll feel a genuine pride in what you accomplished.
Regardless of whether you have a young family or teenagers, gardening can be an excellent activity for everyone involved. Bonding with your friends and family is arguably one of the most important reasons to garden.
Children exposed early to dirt can enjoy a variety of health benefits, such as reduced allergies and strengthening the immune system. You can also help foster a love for nature in your kids and a new hobby for teenagers.
If you focus on growing your own fruits and vegetables, you'll find that you'll naturally begin to eat healthier. This is because you'll be motivated to use your freshly grown produce before it goes bad.
You'll also have a greater appreciation for fruits and vegetables that you previously didn't like. For instance, tomatoes and peppers will taste fresher, and oranges will be juicier than what you can get in the store.
Lastly, working outside in your garden during the day means that you'll be absorbing a lot of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb more calcium throughout the day.
It can also help boost your mood, regulate insulin development, reduce the risk of flu, and more. Of course, it's crucial that you make sure you're applying sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before you're exposed to the sun!
If you're considering creating a residential garden as your new hobby, don't hesitate any longer. If you're interested in growing fruits and veggies, there are a variety of resources online that will let you know the agricultural zone you're in so that you can choose the right things to plant.
Over time, you'll find that the health benefits of gardening are just as good as the beautiful plants you'll grow.
Of course, gardening requires some tools that will make your life easier. Take a look at our gardening supplies today!
