The Benefits of Gardening

Exercise

Gardening is a great way to get exercise and enjoy fresh produce. It can also improve our mental health, boost our mood and even slow down the onset of cognitive decline. It can also be an incredibly social activity.

Regardless of your age, fitness level or physical ability, exercise is an important part of staying healthy and happy. It can improve your overall wellbeing, help you lose weight and increase your energy levels. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, and keep your bones strong.

It is best to start small and gradually build up your time and distance. It is recommended to try and exercise 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. You should also talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, as they can recommend specific exercises for you.

As you get more comfortable with exercise you can add in other activities to increase the intensity and strengthen your muscles. This could be doing mini-squats while pulling weeds or taking breaks while mowing the lawn to do triceps and lunges.

Working in the garden can be a very intense and challenging activity. You need to work hard at it, a lot of times without rest. It can be a very good form of exercise and you can do it anywhere.

However, you need to be careful and if you are not used to this kind of activity then it can lead to injury if not done properly. So before you start gardening it is a good idea to go for a walk or do some stretches to make sure your body is ready for the task ahead.

Some people find it hard to stay motivated to exercise on a regular basis, which is why it is so important to make sure you have a plan in place. If you know what you need to do in the morning and the afternoon, it can be easier to stay on track.

You can also ask other people to join you, whether it is your partner or a friend who can encourage you when you are struggling. This will give you an extra push and help you to reach your goals.

Relaxation

If you love spending time in your garden but sometimes feel overwhelmed, consider creating a relaxation space where you can unwind and recharge. This can be achieved by adding soothing water features, hedging, relaxing furniture, and plants known to help with relaxation.

A calming and relaxing garden can enhance your mental health, increase your self-esteem, boost your energy levels, improve your sleep, and reduce your risk of anxiety. It can also be a great place to unwind and relax with family and friends.

For the best results, keep it green and use soft colours to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. This can be achieved by choosing evergreen shrubs like azalea, bamboo, bay, box, Griselinia, hebe, mahonia, olive, pittosporum, and yucca.

Another way to create a relaxing garden is to include plants that have calming properties, such as lavender, lilac, roses, and chamomile. These plants are easy to grow, have low maintenance requirements, and provide a pleasant aroma that can promote relaxation.

You can even incorporate a natural sound bath into your garden with wind chimes and other sounds that evoke feelings of tranquility. Many people swear by this, as it helps lower their blood pressure and stress levels.

Adding flowers that attract wildlife into your garden can also be beneficial. Plants such as lavender, sunflower, and ivy attract birds and insects, which can be a source of pleasure and a distraction from the noise of daily life.

Then, make a relaxing area in your garden with a variety of seating options, including benches and hammocks. These can be upholstered in soft fabrics or stuffed with pillows and blankets for an indulgent look.

When planning a relaxation area in your garden, you should consider the type of climate and sun exposure. This will affect the position of your outdoor furniture and your choice of plants.

If you want to relax in your garden during the evening, a soft light is key. Chinese lanterns, scented candles, and citronella lamps are all good choices for this purpose.

You can also include a garden fountain or waterfall in your relaxation garden. These water features create a peaceful atmosphere, and they can be especially enjoyable when it's cold out. The soothing sound of running water also makes them ideal for relaxing.

Mental Health

While a lot of people are focused on the physical benefits of exercise, there is also evidence that regular outdoor activities — such as gardening — can boost our mental health. Studies show that being in nature reduces stress, improves self-esteem and increases overall wellbeing.

The connection between nature and mental health isn’t new – in ancient Egypt, royals were encouraged to spend time in their gardens to help them cope with their busy schedules. And, in the 19th century, horticulture therapy was introduced to hospital patients as part of treatment for depression and anxiety.

Now, it’s become a trend for many to get involved in gardening as a way to improve their mental health. The results are impressive, and it’s no surprise: It can be a great distraction from the pressures of life.

Researchers found that people who gardened a little bit more than usual — averaging about an hour a week — experienced a significant decrease in stress, depression and anxiety. They also noticed that they felt more satisfied with their lives.

It doesn’t matter if you have never gardened before or if your gardening skills are limited to window boxes and pots – it can be a good way to increase your overall wellbeing. In fact, it may be as effective as a 30 minute session of exercise.

You can also engage in a community garden, which is a great place to meet other gardeners and learn more about your plants. In addition, research has shown that social connections are strengthened by gardening — whether it’s in the home or in a public garden.

If you have mental health problems, talk to a medical professional about what type of exercise or other physical activity would work best for you. You should start with small amounts of activity and build up your confidence, then gradually increase it as you feel more comfortable.

Don’t forget that you should also get plenty of sleep and eat healthy meals if you want to feel your best. It’s especially important for people suffering from depression or anxiety, and for those living with dementia or other health conditions.

Family Fun

Gardening is one of the best ways to spend time with your family. Not only does it teach your children about nature, but it also stimulates their senses and encourages them to be creative.

There are lots of fun gardening activities for kids, such as planting seeds and growing vegetables. It also helps them to learn how to take care of the garden, which will help them develop healthy habits and grow into a responsible adult.

Some of the most popular garden activities for kids are simple to do, such as building a sandpit or making a bug hotel. These can be very satisfying and the results will be a beautiful addition to your garden.

Another great way to enjoy the outdoors is to have a picnic in your garden. You can prepare tasty cold snacks and bring a few of your little ones' favourite cuddly toys for a great family experience.

To get the most out of this activity, it is a good idea to plan it in advance so you can make sure that all the necessary equipment is in place and ready to go. This will also ensure that you have plenty of space to spread out and relax together in the sun.

You can also try some simple crafts with your children. For example, you can encourage them to collect flowers from around the garden and press them flat between two sheets of paper. This will help to keep them in shape and look nice for future craft projects.

Alternatively, you can set up a scavenger hunt to see what your children can find in the garden. This can be a fantastic way to inspire them and they will probably come up with some lovely ideas.

If you want to encourage your children to love the outdoors, then try to incorporate as many activities as possible into their daily routine. It can help them to develop their sense of wellbeing and build stronger bonds with their loved ones.