Health Benefits of Gardening and Outdoor Activities
Gardening and outdoor activities can be good for your health. In addition to helping you stay physically fit, they can also help lower your risk of diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis.
Reduces stress levels
If you are looking for a way to reduce stress, consider gardening or outdoor activities. These are proven ways to relieve anxiety and improve mood.
Gardening reduces cortisol, a chemical produced by the body in response to stress. It also releases tension and muscle tension.
Reading and being outdoors can also reduce stress. However, not everyone thinks of them as stress relief activities. Research from the Journal of Health Psychology showed that gardening can actually be a better activity than reading.
Moreover, the results of this study show that gardening is associated with feelings of reward and fulfillment. This also improves mental clarity and self-esteem.
Other studies have shown that walking in natural settings can boost mood, increase self-esteem, and promote a sense of wellbeing. Being in nature can also improve the health of microbes.
Builds hand strength and dexterity
One of the best ways to increase your hand strength is to go out and plant some seeds. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, gardening offers a host of benefits. From boosting your immune system to increasing muscle mass, there’s no better time to get your hands dirty. And as a bonus, it’s a great way to spend quality time with family and friends.
Gardening and other outdoor activities are also great for improving the mind. This is because they enhance cognitive functioning while fostering an emotional connection to nature. They can also help foster self-esteem and foster a more harmonious family environment.
Several studies have suggested that gardening may help alleviate ailments such as psoriasis and allergies. Another benefit of gardening is its ability to improve blood circulation.
Lowers risk of osteoporosis and diabetes
One of the best ways to fight osteoporosis is to do gardening. It helps you get a good dose of vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. This, in turn, helps to keep your bones strong.
Gardening is also a great exercise for improving heart health. Not only can it help you to stay out of the sun and away from unhealthy foods, but it can also lower stress, improve your mental clarity, and reduce your risk for colon cancer.
If you want to get started with gardening, there are a few simple tips to help you succeed. The first is to know your limitations. For instance, if you aren’t comfortable with heights, don’t go into the garden. Another is to avoid twisting and bending your knees. However, gardening isn’t a miracle cure.
Helps feed bees and butterflies
When looking for gardening activities that are both fun and educational, consider creating a butterfly garden. Pollinators are one of the most vital players in our ecosystem, and with the right plants, you can create a garden that will attract a variety of butterflies.
Butterfly gardens are ideal for kids, as they can learn about nature in a fun way. Some of the most common butterfly-friendly plants include English lavender, buddleia, lilac and common lilac. You can also add a butterfly salt lick to attract them to your flowers.
A butterfly feeder is also a great way to draw them to your garden. Depending on your space and your budget, you can build a simple, portable feeder for use on a balcony or patio.
Butterflies are often found in the garden, and will look for food and shelter. They seek out shade and moisture, preferring to hide on leaves and tall grass.
Teachs delayed gratification
One of the best things about gardening and outdoor activities is that they teach your kids valuable lessons in life. This can include how to take care of one’s body and mind. While they may not understand this initially, if they are taught early in life, it will become second nature.
Having said that, there are a number of ways to go about this. First, be sure to make it fun. If possible, have your children work on a project of their own choosing. Do this to develop their creative side. You might be surprised at the amount of innovation that you will see. It is also an excellent opportunity to discuss science and technology with your kids.
Next, have them learn the ins and outs of growing their own food. This not only teaches them the importance of good nutrition, but also gives them a hands-on experience of what it is to work for something.