Benefits of Gardening

Having a hobby is very beneficial for both our physical and emotional health. It helps us release stress, focus our attention on other matters, laugh and enjoy quality time with family and friends, etc.

Some hobbies are physical, like sports, dancing, and gym workouts. However, there are also hobbies where the mind plays the leading role, such as board games, crafts and gardening.

In relation to the latter in particular, gardening is considered to be more than just a simple practice. It is about the art of cultivating plants, why is it an art? Because it goes beyond simply planting a plant, it requires technique, care, creativity and a lot of patience.

In addition, it is possible to practice gardening in closed spaces, but also in open spaces, in large portions of land and in a small space.

On the other hand, we can say that it is a very versatile activity, since there are different types of garden, each one with its particular characteristics and needs. Therefore, the way in which one is cared for is not necessarily the same in which another should be cared for.

But, in addition to everything mentioned, it should be noted that this humble and simple practice of working the soil in the garden also brings great health benefits. Hence, many doctors recommend it to treat certain conditions and conditions of the person.

Would you like to know what those benefits are? Do you want to start gardening to improve your health and quality of life? If so, you have come to the right place. As you read this short article, you will learn how you can take advantage of gardening to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Instructions

Gardening has been defined as the art and practice of planting and caring for garden plants. It encompasses designing, deciding where each of the plants will be placed, and doing whatever it takes to make them grow strong and healthy.

Plants are one of the oldest expressions of life that exist. As time has passed, they have evolved to become what we know today. They are amazing living beings. Without the need to speak or move, they have the ability to transform the sun’s energy into food.

On the other hand, if they did not exist, life on the planet would not be possible, since they are responsible for the oxygen cycle to occur. For this reason, it is important to raise awareness about caring for plants and change the lifestyle we have today.

One way to do this is by gardening in our spare time. But not only will we contribute to saving the planet, but we will also receive great benefits on a personal level.

Benefits

• Promotes a pleasant feeling of well-being. In reality, it is difficult to think of not enjoying life while being surrounded by different types of flowers, vegetables, plants of all kinds, as well as the fauna they attract.
• Thus, those who participate in this activity manage to establish strong connections with nature, the environment in which they live and the community.
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Since gardening requires some physical exertion, it leads to weight loss and improves overall physical health by strengthening bones.
• This is because gardening bears some resemblance to lifting weights, in that it requires pulling or uprooting weeds, digging holes, carrying heavy pots, moving compost bags, etc. All these activities contribute to the strengthening of the bones.
• Minimizes the risk of diabetes. Physical exercise is essential to manage diabetes correctly.
• On the other hand, by using your garden to grow your own food, you will not only have the opportunity to stay well exercised, but you will also be able to enjoy a variety of fresh and organic foods.
• Contributes to mental health. Gardening is so effective that it can help people with mental health problems better deal with their conditions, no matter what they are.
• Reduces tension and stress. Recent studies have found that gardening helps fight stress and manage its symptoms much better than other relaxing hobbies.
• Since the senses, such as sight, smell and hearing, are involved in this activity, it contributes to relaxation and reduces daily stress levels.
• Helps fight depression. This activity helps to improve your mood gradually.

For this reason, and for many more reasons, the practice of gardening is very beneficial.  But what do you need to do it?

What do you need:

If you want to get started in the world of gardening, you will not need many things. It will suffice that you have soil, water and some seeds at hand. However, there are many tools that will help you carry out this activity more efficiently and quickly, which you can buy in specialized stores, whether online or physical.

Gardening can also be practiced in extensions, from a few pots, to a large plot of land in a rural or urban area. Some of the tools you will need are:

• A pair of gloves.
• Different types of seeds.
• A rake.
• A shovel to dig.
• A lawn mower.
• Some pruning shears.
• Irrigation hoses or sprinklers.
• A lopper.

In addition to these tools, there are others that are intended for the decoration or functionality of the garden, which can be made with different types of materials, such as stone, copper, bamboo, wood, stainless steel, clay, glass, iron, etc.

Some of these tools are railings, statues, benches, water fountains, oil lamps, among other things. Whether or not to include these elements will be at the disposal of each of the gardeners and their tastes and personality.

But what else should we know about the art of sowing and caring for plants? What recommendations should you take into account when practicing?

Tips

When we do something we like, we are happy and our brain is responsible for releasing endorphins, which are known as the hormones of happiness, which contribute to enjoying a better mood. Moreover, these hormones are the best remedy against premature aging.

Breathing fresh air, interacting with nature, doing physical activities, smiling, are practices that make us feel more alive and that can be carried out through gardening.

However, when practicing it, you must take into account that there are different risks.  Although it is true that these will not go beyond a simple cut with a branch or an allergy to a plant, these are some of the preventive measures that you can implement:

• Organize your workplace.
• Be careful when using ladders and scaffolding.
• Use protective equipment, such as gloves, glasses, etc.
• Be careful when using different chemicals.
• Handle tools such as chainsaws and loppers with care.
• Do not neglect the possible electrical risks that may exist.
• Avoid exposing yourself for a long time to extreme temperatures.
• Lift heavy objects the right way so you don’t injure your back or spine.
• Determine which plants cause an allergic reaction and if they can affect you. In this case, it is best not to include them in your garden.
• Protect the fauna that grows and interacts in your garden, regardless of whether they are birds, reptiles, insects, etc.

As we have seen, gardening goes beyond mere entertainment. It can become a true friend, counselor, therapy, medicine and a way of life. So what are you waiting for to try it?