Planting and growing your own organic vegetables will improve your diet; But directly participating in the gardening process brings you some surprising benefits for your body and soul. A recently published analysis of scientific research on the effects of gardening shows that digging has benefits for your mind, body, and soul.
Going to your garden at the end of a busy day will reduce your stress levels and mental fatigue. In one study, participants performed a stressful activity and then were assigned 30 minutes of gardening or 30 minutes of reading indoors afterward. Both reduce stress, but gardening had a significantly greater impact. (Try to fight depression by tending a garden)
Gardening keeps you active and reduces your stress levels, and that means it can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other related lifestyle diseases. Plus, eating nutritious food that you grow is great for heart health (If you don't have a garden, you should still eat foods that naturally lower blood pressure).
Evidence shows that some health and behavioral problems, including anxiety and depression, are directly related to the amount of time you spend outside. For children especially, this can constitute a symptom of "nutrition deficiency disorder." Gardening puts you in touch with green environments, provides an outlet for creativity, and fosters a sense of well-being. pride and accomplishment as you harvest those juicy red tomatoes.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that gardening activities can cut the risk of Alzheimer's disease by about 50%. Another study found that horticultural therapy is very engaging for dementia patients and has a positive impact on their overall health.
Spending time in bushes can improve your sleep quality. Caring for your garden reduces stress and anxiety levels, which means you'll be able to fall asleep more easily and experience sweeter dreams.
