Gardening is not just a fun hobby to fill your free time, but also an activity that provides many benefits for our physical and mental health. Scientific studies have revealed various benefits of gardening that you may not have realized before. In this article, we will discuss some of the main benefits of gardening according to scientists. One of the main benefits of gardening is improving physical health. The physical activities involved in caring for plants, such as planting, weeding, and harvesting, can be good exercise for the body. In addition, gardening can also increase nutritional intake by providing easy access to fresh, home-grown vegetables and fruit. Besides its physical benefits, gardening is also known to have a positive impact on mental health.
Outdoor activities and contact with plants can relieve stress, improve mood, and even reduce the risk of depression. Thus, gardening not only provides aesthetic satisfaction through the beauty of a thriving garden, but also directly supports the overall well-being of the body and mind.
1. Improve Physical Health
Gardening involves various physical activities, such as hoeing, watering plants, and moving plant pots. These activities can help maintain body fitness, increase muscle strength, and burn calories. A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports revealed that gardening for half an hour per day can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Apart from that, gardening can also help improve body balance and coordination.
When you bend, reach, and plant, your muscles work to maintain balance and coordination of movements. This can help prevent the risk of falls and injury, especially for older people.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Gardening not only benefits physical health, but also helps reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning found that people who gardened experienced reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increased positive mood.
When you garden, you can feel the peace and tranquility of interacting with nature. Breathing fresh air, touching the ground, and seeing plants growing can have a calming effect on the mind and soul. In addition, gardening can also be a meditative activity that helps you focus on the present moment and takes your mind away from everyday worries.
3. Improves cognitive function
Gardening is not only good for physical and mental health, but can also help improve cognitive function. A study published in the journal Geriatric Nursing found that gardening can slow the decline in cognitive function in older people.
When you garden, you have to remember the names of the plants, understand their needs, and plan what to do. These activities help train your brain and keep cognitive functions active. Apart from that, gardening can also improve concentration and attention, because you have to focus on the tasks you are doing.
4. Increase nutritional intake
One benefit you may not realize from gardening is increased nutritional intake. When you grow your own vegetables and fruit, you can ensure that the food you consume is fresh, organic, and free from harmful pesticides.
Studies have shown that freshly picked vegetables and fruits have higher nutritional content than those that have been stored for several days. In addition, gardening can also encourage you to consume more vegetables and fruit, because you will feel more connected to the food you grow yourself.
5. Improve Social Relations
Gardening can be a fun social activity. Joining a gardening community provides the opportunity to meet new individuals who have similar interests. You can share your knowledge, tips and experiences about gardening with other community members.
Apart from that, gardening can also be a fun family activity. You can invite your children to participate in planting, caring for, and harvesting plants. This activity can help bring family relationships closer and teach children about the importance of protecting nature.
Gardening is not only fun, but also provides many benefits for our physical, mental and social health. Scientists have revealed that gardening can improve body fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function, increase nutritional intake, and establish better social relationships.
If you haven’t tried gardening before, it may be time to start this healthy new hobby. Start by planting some simple plants in your yard or balcony, and enjoy the benefits this gardening activity has to offer. Who knows, gardening might become a new hobby that can change your life to be healthier and happier.