The Covid-19 pandemic has hit us with some pretty hard lessons, but it has also been a massive eye-opening experience. Things we never thought we’d be doing before have now become our saving grace.
Gardening has always had a reputation for being therapeutic in nature (pun intended), and with the stress, uncertainty and restrictions of the outside world, getting your hands dirty has become the go-to for those who have been spending more time at home.
Not convinced that gardening is for you? Well, here are five blooming good reasons you should be sticking those hands in some dirt.
It’s good for your body
It may not seem like it, but gardening is a great way to sneak in some exercise. Digging, pruning, and planting are bound to burn substantial calories and will ensure some killer arm strength when you’re done. If you’ve decided to dedicate your gardening time to growing fruits and vegetables, then there’s no doubt that your body will be thanking you for adding these organic veggies to your diet.
It‘s a stress reliever
Don’t take our word for it; a 2010 study conducted in the Netherlands concluded that gardening significantly reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Even more surprising is the fact that it was more effective at reducing this hormone than reading. While relaxing with a good book is always a great way to unwind, the evidence is clearly in favour of you grabbing that spade and digging.
A great way to teach your kids life lessons
The seasons change, plants grow, and then they die. Gardening can be an excellent way to teach your kids a few lessons about the circle of life. There are a few lessons there for grown folks too, as gardening allows you to learn and understand patience, persistence and responsibility. After all, a plant doesn’t sprout overnight.
Bring on the Vitamin D
Gardening allows you to get some much-needed Vitamin D which is essential to regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body. Along with this, various studies have also suggested that spending time in the sun helps to lower blood pressure and helps you sleep better at night. Added benefits include increased serotonin levels which provide you with more energy, allowing you to remain calm, positive and focused – who wouldn’t want more of that!
It helps protect your memory
According to Healthline, there’s some evidence that suggests participating in gardening activities may help to promote and grow your brain’s memory-related nerves. While various research has been conducted on the topic, one South Korean study found that when dementia patients spent 20-minutes on gardening activities, some brain nerve growth factors increased.
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Picture/s: Unsplash