Gardening is an ancestral activity that allows people to feed themselves and create pleasant and harmonious spaces.
But did you know that gardening also has many health and wellness benefits? This article reveals five reasons why you should start gardening right away!
1. Remedy for stress and mood improvement
Gardening is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Indeed, this activity allows you to reconnect with nature, take your time and focus on a specific task. In addition, the endorphins released during the physical effort contribute to a feeling of well-being and calmness. Studies have shown that gardening can decrease levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase levels of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
Beyond the physical aspect, gardening also offers psychological benefits, such as the satisfaction of seeing your plants grow and flourish, or the pride of harvesting homegrown fruits and vegetables. These positive experiences help build self-esteem and contribute to a sense of accomplishment.
Tip to help your plants grow and be more resistant: Actiflor®
Actiflor® is a device to be inserted vertically into the ground near the foot until halfway up. It creates a local magnetic field that has active effects not only on the absorption of water and nutritive salts but also on the vital processes, notably cell division. This is the principle of magnetized water which promotes the growth and resistance of plants. Your plants will thank you!
2. Physical activity and muscle strengthening
Gardening is also a complete physical activity, involving several muscle groups. Whether it's digging, planting, pruning or watering, each gesture contributes to strengthening the muscles and improving endurance. Thus, practicing gardening regularly helps maintain a good physical condition and prevent certain diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle, such as cardiovascular problems, obesity and diabetes.
In addition, this activity improves coordination and flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for people with joint problems. As a reminder, all of our natural solutions such as those for the back like the horizontal Lomboflex belt, the magnetic lumbo-abdominal belts or the magnetic trapezius backrest can be worn while gardening 😊
Finally, gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and expose yourself to natural light, which promotes the synthesis of vitamin D, essential for bone and immune health.
3. Improved air quality
Growing plants, whether indoors or outdoors, helps to improve air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps renew the air and create a healthier environment. In addition, some plants are able to filter and remove air pollutants such as benzene or formaldehyde.
Gardening also contributes to biodiversity by providing a habitat and food source for insects, birds and other animals. By choosing native plants and avoiding the use of pesticides, gardeners can encourage local wildlife and support a balanced ecosystem.
Gardening can also help combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing the ecological footprint associated with food production and transportation.
4. Stimulating creativity
Gardening offers a great opportunity for creativity. By designing and landscaping your own garden, you can let your imagination run wild and create a unique space that reflects your personality and tastes. Gardeners can experiment with different colors, textures, shapes and scents to create aesthetically pleasing landscapes that stimulate the senses.
This activity with plants can also develop important skills such as planning, thinking and problem solving. Ouch this plant doesn't like it here, what can I do?
Gardeners often have to be analytical, taking into account factors such as climate, soil quality, water and light requirements of the plants, as well as the interactions between different species.
Did you know that some farmers grow rose bushes at the foot of their apple trees? It seems that aphids invade the roses before the apple trees. Thus, their presence on the shrubs gives the signal for possible treatments.
5. Healthy and sustainable food
Growing your own vegetables and fruit provides a healthy diet, rich in nutrients and flavor. Produce grown in the garden is generally fresher and tastier than store-bought produce because it is harvested when ripe and eaten quickly. In addition, gardening helps control the use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, which can contribute to a healthier diet without harmful residues.
Gardening also promotes the consumption of local and seasonal produce, reducing the environmental footprint associated with transportation and food storage.
By growing several varieties of vegetables and fruits, gardeners can diversify their diet and discover new flavors and textures. In addition, gardening contributes to food security by providing a reliable and sustainable source of food.
In conclusion, gardening is an activity with multiple benefits for health and well-being.
So, don't hesitate and get green!