Most people think about activities like hiking and jogging when they think about outdoor activities that can help their health. Undoubtedly, hiking and jogging are great activities. However, they are demanding and might not be equally accessible to everyone.
On the other hand, a more accessible yet equally impactful outdoor activity that can help your health is gardening. It does not require a large area of land. A small outdoor space with some plants and pots is also enough to keep you engaged in one of the most fulfilling yet healthy activities.
The best part is that health benefits are just the beginning of gardening. You gain so much more, such as fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, sustainable living, and a better-looking home! So, if you are looking for ways to improve your health, here are five reasons you should start gardening now!
1. Physical Fitness
Without paying a premium price for a gym membership, you should definitely reap the benefits of gardening to maintain your physical fitness. Some physically demanding activities in gardening include digging, planting, transferring plants, carrying and shifting pots, and even watering.
These exercises and movements can help build muscles and ensure more regular body movement. More importantly, they tend to raise your heart rate, providing you with a chance to improve your cardiovascular health.
Additionally, cleaning your garden regularly is a great addition to your everyday physical movement. From sweeping the floor to mopping and picking up trash yourself, you will enhance your body flexibility and hand-eye coordination.
2. Boosted Nutritions With Organic Gardening
In recent years, organic farming and gardening has become an important topic. So many research findings and studies tell us the benefits of eating organic produce. This is why gardening at home is your ultimate gateway to enjoying nutritious meals and food every day without having to purchase highly pricey yet unhealthy produce from outside.
Fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits can be enjoyed as standalone eatables or added to recipes. Organic ingredients help support a healthy diet, which is crucial for people of all ages. So, even if you have young kids at home or elderly who need a restrictive diet, organic farming is the way to go.
To maximize your organic gardening efforts, choose the right soil and planters and top your soil with the right kind of mulch. Mulch is an underrated yet crucial element of an organic garden, as it ensures optimal soil health and moisture for your plants. For ultimate convenience, simply search for “local mulch delivery” and find the best source of quality mulch.
3. Access to Natural Remedies for Wellness
Be it small or big, a garden in your home is the ultimate source of natural ingredients and remedies for physical and mental wellness. You can grow a variety of herbs and plants in your garden and enjoy fresh ingredients for herbal teas, skin treatments, hair masks, and even pain relief remedies.
For example, home gardeners can grow chamomiles in pots. Chamomile is an essential ingredient in natural remedies for wellness, typically used in herbal teas. Additionally, you can grow plants like aloe vera, which can be consumed orally or topically, depending on the purpose. Another example of such a natural healer is lavender, which is known for relaxation, mental well-being, and improved sleep.
4. Community Engagement and Family Time
Gardening in your backyard is a great way to spend more time with your family away from screens and unhealthy habits. You can create customized garden themes, engage in the decor, and relax in your personal space of tranquility and aesthetics. Gardening enhances your home’s outdoor space and makes it more welcoming for your family and guests.
Additionally, engaging in gardening activities will also encourage you to interact more with your neighbors. A front garden is one way to ensure more interaction between you and your neighbors. Moreover, you will want to go to neighborhood gardening events like sales and plant exhibitions, allowing you to meet more people.
This type of healthy and productive human interaction can improve your overall mental health, as well as encourage you to step out of your house more frequently.
Conclusion
Spending just a few hours a week on gardening can help you reap the aforementioned benefits. You don’t have to indulge in gardening rigorously every day. Simply maintaining it, cleaning it, making sure the plants are thriving in the right pots, and watering your plants as needed will help you enjoy the health benefits of gardening.
