As gardeners, we’ve always known that caring for our beloved plants brings joy and tranquility to our lives. The act of nurturing these green wonders isn’t just about creating a picturesque garden; it’s about cultivating your own well-being. Research supports what we’ve sensed all along: that tending to flora can work wonders for our physical and mental health. In this blog post, let’s embark on a journey through the world of gardening in the tone of a gardener, exploring how green thumbs can lead to a healthier, happier life.
The Garden’s Impact on Well-being
Nature’s embrace has a profound impact on our health and wellness. Gwenn Fried, the manager of Horticulture Therapy at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, affirms that the cortisol levels in our bodies decrease when we find ourselves in a serene, green environment. Scientific studies back this up, highlighting the significance of our connection with the natural world.
- Mindful Connection with Nature
The Mental Health Foundation conducted a study, revealing that our mental health benefits greatly from how much we notice, think about, and appreciate our natural surroundings. Just being in nature, taking the time to observe, and marveling at its wonders is a powerful source of well-being.
- The Natural Feel-Good Hormones
Gardening is not only therapeutic for the plants but also for the gardener. It triggers the release of serotonin and endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good hormones that promote mental well-being. This means that nurturing your garden can uplift your spirits.
- Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Developed by the Kaplans in the 1980s, the Attention Restoration Theory suggests that people can concentrate better after spending time in nature. This theory emphasizes the powerful impact that gardening can have on individuals with various mental health needs.
e this recommended level of physical activity.
Now, let’s put on our gardening gloves and dive into the greenhouse to discover the long-term benefits of tending to your garden.
1. Greenhouse Gardening Burns Calories
The good news is that gardening is considered moderate-intensity exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one hour of greenhouse gardening can help you burn approximately 330 calories. That’s more than what you’d burn during an hour of moderate-paced walking. Gardening engages all the major muscle groups, from legs to arms, providing strength training and calorie burn.
2. Greenhouse Gardening Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
Just 30 minutes of moderate-level physical activity most days of the week can help prevent and control high blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute even recommends gardening for 30-45 minutes as a means to achieve health benefits.
3. Spending Time Greenhouse Gardening Is Good for Your Bones
Exposing your skin to sunlight when you’re outdoors prompts your body to produce vitamin D. This essential vitamin, in combination with calcium, contributes to bone formation. It’s a natural way to keep your bones healthy. Just remember to apply sunscreen or wear a hat if you plan to spend extended periods in the sun to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
4. Growing Your Own Food in a Greenhouse Can Help You Eat Healthier
In addition to the physical exercise you gain from tending to a greenhouse garden, it can also inspire a healthier diet. Gardening encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables, a habit that research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences suggests can become ingrained. It’s not only about providing fresh produce but also about encouraging children to try new, healthy foods.
5. Greenhouse Gardening Can Relieve Stress
Gardening is positively correlated with a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms. Some hospitals even use gardening as a form of rehabilitation for patients recovering from various conditions. Not only does it provide a sense of control in challenging situations, but it also imparts new skills and restores confidence.
6. Greenhouse Gardening Can Improve Families
Gardening doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Community gardens have been associated with improved self-esteem, mood, and overall health. It’s an activity that everyone can partake in, fostering family bonds and passing on the love of gardening to younger generations.
7. Greenhouse Gardening Can Make You Happier
Growing and tending to plants in a greenhouse can significantly boost your mood and overall quality of life. The act of nurturing life, watching something green and real grow, fills you with hope for the future. Gardening changes your perspective and leaves you with a sense of optimism.
Conclusion
As gardeners, we hold the key to a healthier, happier life within our greenhouse gardens. Gardening isn’t just a hobby; it’s a holistic approach to well-being. It’s exercise, therapy, nutrition, family bonding, and a source of hope. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, step into your garden, embrace the serenity, and nurture your own well-being. For in the end, gardening is not just about the present; it’s a hopeful investment in the future. Happy gardening!
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