Gardening is one of the most scientifically-proven beneficiary activities that enhance your physical and mental health. Plants around us are very much beneficial to us in many ways be it a small desk planter, indoor terrace garden, outdoor garden, or walking in a park. You may get a little dirty while planting or doing daily cleaning but you feel a sense of achievement seeing it growing and living. One can enjoy this hobby in your free time. Gardening or planting is as effective as pills in your lows. You can get daily fresh veggies from a vegetable garden along with benefitting the surrounding environment. It does not just make your house look good but it can do wonders for your health too.
Health benefits of gardening
Relieves stress – According to a study, gardening or yard work may help reduce both physical and psychological stress and anxiety. Learning a new hobby aid to cope with stress and improve mental health. The fresh air reduces the cortisol hormone (stress hormone) and promotes the release of endorphins (happy hormones).
Improves indoor air quality – Indoor plants can improve air quality and can remove cancer-causing compounds from the air, including benzene and formaldehyde. Researchers also found that the soil microorganism in potted plants also helps in purifying the air.
Lowers your BP – Many of us have heard from doctors that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity can lower blood pressure levels and improve heart health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 30-45 minutes of gardening or yard work has similar effects.
Physical exercise - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can burn up to 300 calories by doing one hour of gardening and yard work, which is more than brisk walking at the same time. Gardening makes you perform various movements of arms, upper back, and legs, which come under modern-intensity aerobics. Thus, it helps in losing weight too.
Improves attention and concentration - It is a scientifically proven fact that gardening can improve mental health, including focus and concentration. You can feel better within minutes of working in the garden. You can see improvement in the concentration levels within a few days of gardening as you notice and work on the details.