The healthy hobby!

We all know that regular exercise such as running, going to the gym, cycling swimming, etc. is important for our health, wellbeing and longevity.

But did you know that gardening is also considered to be a great form of exercise? Not just for the body but also the mind.

There is so much more to this healthy hobby than meets the eye.

Exercise and fitness //

Gardening will often use most of the major muscle groups – legs, arms, abs, back, neck, bottom and shoulders – a whole body workout! 30-45 minutes of moderate to intense gardening (such as mowing, weeding, digging, planting or hoeing) will burn 150-300 calories!

Not to mention improve your balance and flexibility – who needs a gym when you have a garden?

Reduce your risk of stroke and heat attack: A large Stockholm study showed that regular moderate level gardening can cut your risk of stroke and heart attack by 30%!

Vitamin D //

Vitamin D is important for growing bones and general bone health as it helps our body to absorb calcium.

Ten minutes of sunshine per day will help reduce your risk of osteoporosis and other bone density disorders.

Reduce the risk of Dementia //

Gardening uses many different parts of the brain and body functions.

Sensory (smell, touch), strength (muscle workout), memory (when to plant, what position, how much to water etc), learning (different plants have different requirements), problem solving (what plant pest, disease or fungus is that?).

Different studies have shown daily gardening can reduce your risk of dementia by 36%!

Increased immunity //

Getting dirty and exposing your body to soil microbes and bacteria, not to mention the simple fact of getting out in the fresh air, all help to stimulate a boost our immunity.

Depression and mental health //

Anyone who loves gardening can tell you that a stint in the garden makes you feel better and increases mood and sense of wellbeing. Its nature’s therapy!

As gardening is a great form of exercise, it keeps the mind and body fit and active which helps to reduce stress and depression.

The saying, “Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes” really rings true!

We also hear of many people who have turned to the garden for solace after the death of a loved one and found peace.

There are so many health benefits of gardening and many more not listed here.

Not that we need an excuse to get out in the garden, but if in doubt, just remember how truly amazing getting out in our gardens are to our mind and bodies.

“We may think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it is really our garden nurturing us”.

♦♦♦

For more great ideas and advice, checkout the following articles from Kristee.