Gardening. Millions do it and millions do not. Do you garden? If not, why not? I understand if you are leasing an apartment or a condo. There are major limitations there. But they can be overcome. I understand if you have the space but not the time. We can fix that too with a passive approach.
But those fixes are for another essay. This essay is about the physical and mental benefits of gardening. Please read on to see how gardening can improve your health.
And your health, if you are typical, is at least stressed by the digital busy world we all live in today. Endless emails. Social media distractions, constant modern intrusions into our peace of mind and our "me time" are the norm today. You know it, I know it, the children feel it. We all feel that endless "plugged-in" stress.
And mitigating that stress is a good reason to start gardening. Gardening as a hobby distracts you from the information world. You focus. You have things to think about and do. You have no time for anything else. There are things to do!
And these things just happen to reconnect you to nature and earth; sun and soil; and water! As you go about your tasks you are distracted with various needs and concerns in the garden. Does that plant need water or not? And oh, it is time to dead-head those roses!
Ah, the tasks of gardening. They are many and keep you busy AND unplugged from this modern world of digital intrusion. And this modern world is known to negatively impact one's mental health. Gardening is an important way to balance your mental health.
Your physical health is also improved as you garden. You will feel worn muscles you have not felt in awhile when you first start. It is fine. You are using your body for more than sitting behind a desk or a steering wheel. Of course they will be tired! You have not used them all, much, lately.
Another reason to get those muscles outdoors is to get that skin in front of sunshine! Do so in moderation and with proper protection, of course. Sunshine has many benefits including improving your immune system. And, wouldn't you know it? You can grow immune boosting plants like elderberry for syrup, hibiscus for tea, blueberries for snacks, and garlic for flavoring. All improve your immune system and growing them is just another reason you should start gardening.
So why not start gardening? Time? Grow passive, low maintenance crops, or start a rose garden, or start a bulb bed. The less time consuming styles of gardening still have the same benefits. You simply spend more time enjoying the results. Space? You can grow indoors easily. There are many vendors of indoor grow kits. Just make sure you turn off your cell phone, your television, etc. to get that mental boost just right!
Happy Gardening!
Our north garden for vegetables in December, 2022. (Copyright, Jamie Slate)
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