Gardening- Good For The Brain, Body and Soul
Gardening season is upon us! Gardening is not only good physical activity but it also can improve mental health. Having plants creates oxygen for our brains and bodies, the sunlight gives us Vitamin D and green space can calm our central nervous system. The act of gardening can boost serotonin while improving our ability to concentrate. Since gardening requires planning and organization, it also offers exercise for our brain. You often use your whole body while gardening, recruiting your core muscles as well as your upper and lower extremities, so it is a great source of exercise as well!
Here are 4 health benefits of gardening according to the AARP:
Exposure to Vitamin D. Vitamin D increases your calcium levels, which benefits your bones and immune system. A 2014 Italian study, published on the National Institutes of Health website, found that exposure to sunlight helped older adults achieve adequate serum vitamin D levels. 5-30 minutes of early morning/late afternoon sun exposure is ideal. If outdoors longer than that, or during peak sun hours, apply sunscreen, wear long clothes, hat and sunglasses to avoid over exposure to the sun's rays.
Decreased Dementia Risk. A 2006 study found that gardening could lower risk of dementia by 36 percent. Researchers tracked more than 2,800 people over the age of 60 for 16 years and concluded that physical activity, particularly gardening, could reduce the incidence of dementia in future years.
Mood-boosting Benefits. A study in the Netherlands, suggests that gardening fights stress even better than other hobbies. Participants completed a stressful task and were then told to read inside or go outdoors and garden for 30 minutes. The gardening group reported better moods afterward, and their blood tests showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Aerobic Exercise. Gardening is a great form of aerobic exercise; plus, you might become so engrossed in your work that you don’t even realize you’re breaking a sweat. Pulling weeds, reaching for various plants and tools, and twisting and bending as you plant will work new muscles in your body and help with strength, stamina, and flexibility.
To keep yourself safe and free from injury, be sure to incorporate these practices into your gardening activities:
Wear proper gloves to avoid blisters and skin exposures to bacteria and bugs.
Avoid prolonged repetitive motions such as shoveling, digging, planting, trimming etc. Take breaks every 10-15 minutes by standing and stretching your muscles.
Wear sunscreen and long clothing to cover skin if possible.
Stay hydrated
Stay cool and work during the coolest parts of the day.
Most importantly, take the time to practice gratitude and soak in all the wonderful feelings that arise while creating a beautiful outdoor space.
