Modern technology has giving a lot to mankind like longer life expectancies, eases of travel, and generally more comforts than our ancestors had. We can have practically anything we wish for at the snap of our fingers. This took more than a few decades to accomplish, but is there anything that we have lost at the cost of these advancements?
Loss of connectivity to nature, for one, is something that comes to mind while talking about the cons of such progress. Staying close to nature can be therapeutic. It lets you open up to the environment and allows you to see how nature works and how the best kind of living can be made just by a few resources.
If you haven’t guessed yet, we’re talking about gardening. Gardening can be quoted as the easiest and the most convenient way to feel a connection with nature. You can plant a whole garden in your courtyard and can even do wonders of green in your small balcony.
When you practice gardening, it does a lot more than make your house beautiful; it repairs and nourishes your physical as well as mental health. How does that happen? Let’s get to that.
Gardening and the Human Body
Nature has always been healing for the human body. It affects us mentally and physically. It lets us take time off from running our life and lets us to something that our bodies in trinsically craves.
There will be a feeling of happiness every time you see something grow as a result of your hard work and, for many, is a great source of home-grown nutrition that is chemical-free and completely organic.
You can control how you want your food to be grown, which has the added benefit of giving you a sense of responsibility and purpose.
Studies have found that gardening is a great source of mental and physical fitness. Stepping out is good and you mainly have to be outside and in the fresh air to weed and till your green friends. Walking around and admiring them also adds up.
The Impact of Gardening on Our Physical Health
It promotes exercise
Exercise makes us healthy and protects us from many diseases. A daily exercise of at least an hour can contribute to the basic physical fitness of a person. Moderate or vigorous exercise is the key to break the monotony of our life.
Unfortunately, a lot of people find it hard to follow a regular health regimen, or they start to feel the boredom of the workout. For these people, gardening can be a good option. It’s accomplished mostly outdoors in fresh air and doesn’t feel like an exercise.
If you have kids, teach them how to grow food or to make a flower bed. Kids usually love putting their hands in the soil and they won’t even notice they’re exercising. Watering the plants will also be great fun for them.
It encourages healthy eating
When you grow your own food, you’ll know exactly what you’re eating. Surrounding yourself with this kind of food will promote healthy eating. There are a lot of people who lack proper nutrition because they do the easy thing and get pre-packaged food that’s quite unhealthy.
When you indulge in gardening, you can pick your food. From your favorite vegetables to the fruits you’re fond of, it’s all up to you.
Grow the food of your choice, nurture it with love and care, and it will nurture you back.
It’s a source of fresh air
Gardening doesn't just best of us with the gift of healthy food. These plants also provide a source of fresh and clean air. They inhale carbon monoxide and exhale oxygen, turning the area they are planted into a lush patch of fresh and pure air.
With the increasing level of hazardous pollution in the cities of India, planting trees is a great option to cut the toxic air down. There are a few varieties of plants that are known for their property to clean the air, such as tulsi and snake plants that are two of the most popular options.
The Impact of Gardening on Mental Health
As per the Indian proverb, you’ll reap what you sow This saying fits perfectly when talking about the mental health benefits of gardening. If you sow with love, gratitude, and care, you’ll get the results in the form of positivity, happiness, and good thoughts, thus improving your mental health. Another way you can improve your mental health is through talk therapy. The licensed therapists at BetterHelp can help you learn how to stay positive during life's challenges. Additionally, gardening can also provide other benefits that include:
It gives us a feeling of responsibility
When a person starts gardening, they start at the base, from a simple seed that’s in the care of the hand that planted it. If you want to have a green and colorful garden, you’ll have to make time for all itsneeds like weeding, soil tilling, watering, etc. This creates a sense of responsibility in a person’s mind.
It connects us to nature
As we discussed in the beginning, advancement might have taken a person from land to the moon, but the value of the connection is being lost. When we spend time in the lap of nature, we feel relaxed, optimistic, and encouraged. Studies have also shown that staying close to nature and gardening are both beneficial to treating depression.
It’s a great way to channel anger and agitation
Gardening is a great way to cool down your anger. Dig, plow. and plant. Get your shovel and work it on the garden bed. It will let your anger vent into a positive action. Cut a few buds and trim the grass. Soon, you’ll realize that you’re more composed and your fury has actually resulted in something productive.
Final Thoughts
A lot of people have learned that gardening, with time, can change their lives. It connects is to nature, the soil, and the land. Touching soil with your hands can be miraculous. Do it yourself, teach it to your friends and family, and you’ll soon be making a real impact in the world.
Author Bio:
I am Shraddha, graduate from Amity University and associated with OMKITCHEN. I am a passionate content creator who likes to produce informative and engaging content related to health and lifestyle. When not doing that, you can find me trying different kinds of organic food and herbal teas.
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