Why Gardening Increases Happiness and Enjoyment in Life

If you are thinking about planting a garden, then go for it. Science is on your side saying a new study confirms gardening helps ease depression and anxiety symptoms. Digging in the dirt and nurturing plants also helps you eat healthier. Sun and Exercise Our bodies need vitamin D from sunlight to help us stay healthy. Gardening gets you outdoors and gives your body time to soak up this vitamin naturally. Being outside means you are more active in getting more movement in each day to help you stay fit and trim. If you have trouble with overheating or being in direct sunlight, then the best hours to garden are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Gardening after 7:00 is a good idea when you work long hours and want to get in some time in the sun. Running Equipment Boosts Self Confidence Whether you learn how to use a chainsaw or you consider buying a tractor for sale, learning how to use gardening tools and equipment makes you feel better about yourself. You gain the necessary skills to build garden beds and grow food for the family. Knowing you can sustain life and nurture it to be plentiful is satisfying. Better Brain Health Did you know people in their 60s and 70s have a 40 percent decrease in risk for dementia? CNN says gardening improves mental health regardless of how many other medical conditions the person experiences. Some attribute the benefits to the walking while others feel the actions of gardening make the difference. No matter which part of gardening is the most important, the fact it reduces memory-related issues for older adults is a welcome realization. Stress Relief One of the biggest advantages of gardening is the reduction of stress. People are happier and live a higher quality of life when there are activities to reduce worry and anxiety. Gardening is an activity that promotes letting the mind wander. Sometimes, the most therapeutic activities are the ones that make us slow down and focus on something other than work, school, and raising children. Gardening gives us all time to breathe for a few minutes and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you live in the middle of a major city or the heart of rural America, planting a garden is beneficial to your mental and physical health. You can start small and grow to a large garden with more food than you can use allowing you to sell the extra and make some money for your time and effort.