Nature in the outdoors has many benefits to our minds, bodies, and souls. Gardening has become an increasingly popular activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being kept from gatherings and finding a way to pass time made the concept of gardening a great option for many. Adults participated regularly, but it also became a popular learning activity for children. The process of planning, planting, and tending to a garden takes time, patience, and skill. From start to finish, seeing, smelling, and eating what has been planted, is rewarding and self-fulfilling.
Gardening is a healthy hobby for several reasons. Being outside boosts levels of vitamin D. Like the seeds being planted, we need sunshine to thrive. We need vitamin D to ward off dementia, depression, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Of course, being weary of skin cancer is an important consideration. Sun protective measures sure be taken when being outside for any extended period of time. When enjoying vitamin D while gardening, mood can boost and anxiety or feelings of being sad/down can lower. The results of a nice garden improve the area. Places that were once neglected Seeing a nice environment can be mood boosting as well. The community has improved as well. Therefore, mental health can improve with gardening.
There can be a social component to gardening. Often groups and schools and families participate in gardening together to share the tasks and spend quality time together. The idea of teamwork is put into play. Positive relationships can develop, and friends can be made sharing a common interest. Expanding one’s social network can be a healthy way to feel belonging and the benefits of interpersonal relationships. Feeling connected to others improves confidence and self-esteem. It can also be empowering knowing that you are doing something good for the environment.
Being in the garden can be calming. Gardening is a way to reduce stress. It can help someone return to a positive state. For older people, it is a good way to keep cognitive function efficient. That act of gardening may not require memory, but the brain is working to get the activity done versus sedentary behavior. For children, they can learn the growing process and learn the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and even what spices can be used for. They learn that food doesn’t just appear in the store.
Gardening is a simple act that stimulates the mind and body to reap the benefits of nature. In a technology-filled world, getting away from screens and seeing real life and spending time in the real world, is what some people are missing out on more and more lately. Tending to a garden is a commitment of enjoyment and seeing what can become of once tiny seeds you planted in the ground. From flowers to tomatoes to trees, gardening is a great activity for people of all ages.
Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis – ScienceDirect
Community Gardening: Stress, Well-Being, and Resilience Potentials – PMC (nih.gov)
Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening – PMC (nih.gov)
The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis – PMC (nih.gov)
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance, M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. She has 6 books on Amazon too,.