5 Great Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health and Life

I have so many fond childhood memories of my father’s backyard garden.

When I close my eyes, I can still see him happily digging, raking, planting, watering and weeding

his vegetables.

Gardening was his was of relaxing after a long day of work.

And it was also a source of pride.

Of course, the best part for me was picking and eating fresh corn, tomatoes, okra, potatoes,

carrots, zucchini and collard greens from our own backyard.

And our homegrown produce tasted so much better than store bought.

And it was healthier too.

In short, gardening ROCKS!

Gardening is a fantastic activity in so many ways.

It’s a great form of exercise, stress reliever, creative outlet, and just plain old good fun.

Studies have shown that regular exposure to nature and fresh air is good for us.

Not only will you feel energized and refreshed after a gardening session, but you’ll also feel a

great sense of achievement.

Here are a few other reasons why gardening is a great all-around exercise:

5 Great Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health and Life

#1 – Stress relief

Many of us lead very stressful lives.

Gardening is a good way of relieving that stress.

It’s a quiet, gentle activity that also helps you connect with nature and clear your mind.

There’s something very nurturing about getting close the earth and having a part in helping

something grow.

5 Great Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health and Life

#2 – Great for joints and flexibility

As we get older, so do our joints and mobility.

Gardening is a great option for keeping your joints supple and flexible without too

much pressure.

Simple exercises like bending, lifting and light digging will help your flexibility and

muscle tone.

All of this will lead to improved health and quality of life.

5 Great Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health and Life

#3 – Keeps you busy

If you already have a busy schedule then gardening may be something you fit in on

the weekends or in short spurts.

However, if you’re out of work or retired, keeping a garden is a great way of staying

active, fit and healthy.

You’ll also feel a wonderful sense of achievement when you see the fruit of your labor.

5 Great Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health and Life

#4 – Great social activity

Gardening is becoming increasingly popular.

Many people are joining community garden projects and schemes.

This is a great way to bond with your community.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity for swapping home-grown produce and teaching your

kids and family about healthy eating.

Gardening is a great link for friendships.

It’s a good way to meet like-minded people doing something you enjoy.

5 Great Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health and Life

#5 – Great for children

Children are naturally geared to love gardening.

They have an inbuilt instinct for connecting with the earth around them.

Give a young child a small shovel and a vegetable patch and they may happily dig for hours.

Exposure to gardening also shows kids the importance of food and healthy eating, as well as

caring for their environment.

Many schools now have gardening clubs and projects to help children get involved as gardeners too.

On the surface gardening seems like a great health activity, and it is, but there are also many

other wonderful benefits.

Along with getting plenty of fresh air and exercise you can relieve stress, make new friends,

show your kids the importance of our environment and keep your joints and muscles supple.

It’s a fantastic all-around activity to enjoy.

 

Photos: Freedigitalphoto.net

 

How has gardening been good for your life and health?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.