The Benefits of Gardening For Your Health & Mind

I know what you’re probably thinking. Why is she writing about gardening in December?  You might have snow on the ground and are not in mood to think about the outside garden.  That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t remember what gardening adds to our lives and consider small gardening in the home this winter.  You probably know that the benefits of gardening are numerous and include health, happiness, economy, and more. Studies have shown that spending time in nature is good for the soul and helps to relieve stress. It also has been proven to lower blood pressure. Gardening is a great way to get in shape and stay healthy. It can also save you money by allowing you to grow your vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seedlings instead of purchasing them at the store all year round. Today let’s let at how we can benefit this December and the next few months even if we only have a few houseplants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardening Is A Great Way To Distract You From Work

 

 

When you’re focused on planting seeds, watering plants, and picking fruits and vegetables,  you’re not focused on the work you left at the office. This can be a great way to break from work and clear your head. Right now caring for poinsettias, forced amaryllis or tulips, or even Christmas cactus is not only a distraction, but also adds a bright note to your home.  Flowers at Christmas just make everything better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardening Can Help You De-Stress

 

 

Gardening can help you de-stress, but it can also help improve your mood. When you’re stressed out, finding some release can be challenging. Gardening is a great way to get out all those feelings without being too physically taxing on your body.  When you’re doing something as simple as watering your plants, it can help take your mind off the stress that you have going on in life and give you a chance to recharge yourself before diving back in.  I find that caring for a living plant gives me good feelings inside. You can’t beat that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardening Can Help You Get In Some Exercise

 

 

Gardening can be a great form of exercise. Yes it is more stenuous in the summer, but taking care of houseplants gets you off the couch and into action.  Repotting, planting seeds, and moving plants around has you moving and thinking instead of sitting. Gardening strengthens muscles in your back, wrists, and arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are not one to commit to exercise daily, then this can be a great way to get in shape without noticing how hard it is. You could easily exericse inside when you move plants up to a shelf and then later move them to another location for light.  When you start feeling and looking great, gardening may even inspire you to start being interested in a fitness journey of your own by obtaining a Fitness Certification and learning new skills.

 

 

 

 

Gardening Is Good for Your Mental Health

 

 

There’s something about getting your hands in the dirt, planting flowers or vegetables, and watching them grow that is calming and satisfying. Gardening can help relieve stress and promote relaxation. It can also improve moods, increase self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardening is More than Just a Hobby

 

 

Many people think of gardening as just another hobby, but it can be more than that. Gardening allows you to take care of the earth and do something good for your environment with each harvest. In addition, you’ll save money on grocery bills because you’ll be eating healthier, home-grown produce. In addition to all of the physical benefits, gardening can also provide a sense of calm and peace that comes from being in nature.  My nephew’s wife cans many vegetables in the summer. Home grown green beans in December and January is a treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The benefits of gardening are vast and varied, making it an activity that can improve your life. From improving your physical health to boosting your mental well-being, there’s something for everyone in gardening. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at just how much you enjoy it!  For the winter I suggest you think about houseplants.  See How to Have Healthy Winter Houseplants for more ideas. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own. Photos Via Pexels and Pixabay. 

 

 

Get exclusive free printables & all the news straight to your mailbox!

[email-subscribers-advanced-form id=”1″]

 

 

 

Please see my Link Parties page listing where I shared this post.