Have you considered looking for inner peace in the great outdoors–specifically, your front lawn?
It’s true! Gardening has been found to positively impact a number of health outcomes. Not only does gardening engage you physically, mentally, and socially, but it also provides several health benefits, including:
- Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Decrease in reported stress and mood disturbances
- Decrease in BMI
- Higher reported sense of community
- Increased physical activity
- Improved cognitive function
Because GreenPro specialists spend so much time outside, we’ve seen these health benefits first-hand, but we wanted to make sure that our clients benefit as well! So how exactly does gardening impact health? We’re glad you asked!
1. It connects you to nature
Spending time in nature has been repeatedly proven by researchers to be restorative to our minds, cognitively and emotionally. Nature restores our minds by simply giving them something else to focus on. Nature can also be therapeutic; researchers found that, after walks in a park, children with ADHD were more focused and attentive.
2. It increases your physical activity
Increased physical activity has been shown to improve physical and mental health, especially if you spend your time out in the sun. Your endorphins increase, which decreases your cortisol (the stress hormone), and makes you feel better. With gardening you can choose your own level of physical activity. Want to be really active? Double dig a new garden bed, which will give you a strenuous workout. Looking for something less intense? Set out and tend some pots on the patio, balcony, or stoop.
3. It helps improve nutrition
Did you know that people who eat diets that are high in whole foods like fruits and vegetables are up to 35% less likely to develop depression than people who don’t? It’s true. Many gardeners not only grow flowers and vegetation, but also foods that they can eat – which means that, if you’re gardening on a regular basis, you stand a much better chance of not only getting more exercise, but also eating better, which has a direct impact on your emotional state. (You’re saving money too, which can also help you feel less stressed!)
These are just a few of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that gardeners can experience by getting outside and getting their hands dirty. Need help getting your garden started? Not sure where to start your journey? Give GreenPro a call; we’d be happy to help you get started on some garden therapy!