5 Health Benefits of Gardening
With spring upon us, new plants are beginning to bloom, and warmer weather has arrived. The outside may be looking more appealing than it did during the cooler months. And maybe you’re looking for new ways to get outdoors.
Gardening can be a great way to take in the fresh air — and even gain a few health benefits while you’re at it. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned gardener who’s ready for the next season, gardening has plenty to offer. So, what are the health benefits? What can you feel good about?
1. Stress Relief
We all know that our modern, fast-paced lives can be stressful. There’s always somewhere for us to be or something we need to finish, and this constant pressure can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. That's where gardening comes to the rescue.
Research shows that spending time outside in our gardens can significantly reduce our stress levels and promote relaxation and calm. Surrounding ourselves in nature can have a calming effect on the body. At the same time, the simple act of planting, watering, and nurturing your garden can provide a peaceful escape from the chaos of our daily lives.
2. Calorie Burning
You don’t need to head to the gym or set off on a 10-mile run to burn off those excess calories – spending a few hours in the garden can also help you to shift those stubborn pounds.
In fact, research proves that gardening tasks can burn between 250 and 500 calories every hour, depending on how much effort they require. This is similar to the amount you would burn during a regular workout!
3. Exposure to vitamin D
Did you know that many of us are lacking in vitamin D? Dubbed the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is produced by our body when we get exposure to sunlight. Regular gardening provides us with an excellent opportunity to naturally boost our levels of vitamin D.
4. Mental Health Boost
In addition to physical benefits, gardening also offers a wealth of advantages for our mental health. Gardening can help to boost our confidence and self-esteem, allowing us to feel proud of our achievements as we joyfully watch our hard work literally grow in front of our eyes! Research confirms that gardening activities can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and even increase life satisfaction.
5. Growing Healthy Foods
Investing your time in growing healthy and nutritious food can really change your approach to your diet. By learning more about where your food comes from and what you put into your body, you can make healthier diet choices. After nurturing all those tasty and nutritious fruits and vegetables in your garden, you will want to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Make sure aches and pains don’t stop you from enjoying the many health benefits that gardening offers. With our dedicated chiropractic and physical therapy team, we can help you get back to feeling your best. Contact the Tampa Spine and Wellness team today to learn how we can help you enjoy pain-free gardening for many years.
