We all care about our health and wellbeing. We want to stay as fit and healthy as possible. But when we think of activities that help us to achieve this, we tend to think of things that many of us don’t find all too fun. We think of heading to the gym. We think of running on the treadmill, lifting weights, squats, sit-ups and more. But there are plenty of activities out there that are good for your health and wellbeing as well as proving to be a fun hobby. You may be surprised to know that gardening is one of them. Here are just a few ways that gardening can help improve your health.
Burn Calories
When you garden, you burn calories. It’s generally considered a moderate-intensity exercise and it’s thought that one hour’s worth of gardening and light gardening work will burn 330 calories. Activities such as raking leaves, digging up weeds, digging flower beds and more require strength and stamina!
Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health: Get Your Recommended Vitamin D
It’s recommended that we all get vitamin D. Most people get their vitamin D from spending time outdoors. But nowadays, people tend to engage in more indoor activities, such as watching TV, using the laptop and more. By spending time outside gardening on a regular basis, you are much more likely to get your daily recommended dose of vitamin D!
Reduce Your Blood Pressure
Many of us suffer from high blood pressure and there are a number of ways to counteract this. But you may, again, be surprised to know that gardening can help you to reduce your blood pressure. Not only does it provide moderate levels of activity, which help, but engaging with calming gardening like hydroponics can help to reduce stress and blood pressure too!
Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health: Improve Your Grip
If you’re struggling with grip issues, gardening can help! Holding onto tools and completing actions required to trim and prune plants and trees can help to increase your grip and encourage nimbleness of the fingers and hands. This is surprisingly good for your health and wellbeing! Just make sure to always wear good quality gardening gloves to ensure your hands are protected from nettles, stingers and other potentially harmful plants.
Growing Your Own Food Can Be Healthier
When you garden, you can grow almost any plant-based matter. Sure, most people opt for flowers and other beautiful plants. But you could grow your own fruit and vegetables too! Growing your own produce can provide you with a healthy influx of food that is free of additives, preservatives and even pesticides. Using them to make meals incorporating your own fruit and vegetables can encourage you to manage a healthier diet full of all of your necessary vitamins and minerals.
Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health – In Summary
While gardening might not be a sport, it can help with your health, fitness and wellbeing. So, why not incorporate it into your routine? Getting green fingered really can make all the difference!
