Gardening isn’t just a fun way to spend your time – it also has many health benefits! Here are 5 of the top reasons why gardening is good for you…

Did you know that more than 20 million Americans took up gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic? While humans have been gardening for pleasure and necessity for thousands of years, in recent times, gardening has become a more and more popular hobby as people look for ways to improve their mental and physical well-being.

But gardening isn’t just a fun pastime that comes with food — it has also been found to have numerous benefits for your health!

In this article, we will explore why gardening is good for you and why it’s worth trying for yourself – if you haven’t already caught the gardening bug.

1. Gardening Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the most significant health benefits of gardening is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When you’re in the garden, you’re surrounded by nature, which numerous studies have proven has a calming effect on your mind and body. Gardening can also help distract you from the stresses of daily life and give you a sense of purpose.

Studies have shown that gardening can have a positive impact on mental health. In one study, participants who engaged in gardening activities reported improvements in their mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Gardening has also been used as a form of therapy to help individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

2. Gardening Promotes Physical Health

In addition to its mental health benefits, gardening is also great for your physical health. Gardening can be an excellent form of exercise, depending on the tasks you’re performing in the garden. For example, digging, planting, and weeding are all physical activities that can help you burn calories and improve your fitness.

Gardening can also improve hand strength and dexterity. This is especially beneficial for older adults who may be experiencing a decline in their motor skills. Gardening has also been found to improve cardiovascular health, as it gets your heart rate up and increases blood flow throughout your body.

3. Gardening Helps You Connect With Nature

Connecting with nature is essential for your mental and physical well-being. Spending time in nature has been found to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.

Gardening is a great way to connect with nature. When you’re in the garden, you’re surrounded by plants, trees, and wildlife. You can breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sun’s rays. Being in nature can help you feel more relaxed, rejuvenated, and connected to the world around you.

4. Gardening Can Be Therapeutic

Gardening can also be a form of therapy. Horticultural therapy is a type of therapy that uses plants and gardening activities to improve mental and physical health. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It can be therapeutic for both mental and physical health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Gardening can also help you develop new skills and interests.

5. Gardening Is a Creative Outlet

Another reason why gardening is good for your health is that it is a great way to express your creativity. When you’re in the garden, you have the freedom to design and create your own outdoor space that feels uniquely yours! You can experiment with different plants, colors, and textures to create a garden that reflects your personal style and taste.

Having a creative outlet is important for your mental health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Gardening provides an opportunity to express yourself creatively and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

BONUS: Gardening provides the best quality food!

Last but not least, homegrown food is the freshest and most nutritious food you can eat! Many fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients as soon as they are harvested, and who knows how long the produce in the bins at your local supermarket has been sitting around before you bring it home? Eating freshly picked produce from your own garden is the best way to make sure you’re getting the best quality food possible in your diet – plus it’s so much better tasting than anything you can buy at the store!

The Bottom Line

Gardening is good for your health in so many ways. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve physical health, connect you with nature, provide a therapeutic outlet, and give you a creative outlet – all while providing fresh food for your family. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, there’s no better time than now to start reaping the benefits of gardening. So get outside, get your hands dirty, and start your own garden today!