8 Ways Gardening Can Improve Your Health

Working in your garden can cause you to shed some major pounds. Studies show that women burn 135 calories every 30 minutes, while men burn 177. This is during the planting phase of your gardening. It includes activities like planting shrubs and trees.

Gardening on a regular basis can help tone your muscles. Gardening requires a lot of heavy lifting, such as flower pots, heavy plants, and wheelbarrows full of dirt. Some hauls can be over 100 pounds. It also requires the use of muscles you may not usually use, such as crouching down and using your upper body, back, and legs.

Working outside in your garden for extended periods of time will expose you to Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is important for healthy bone promotion, regulation of insulin levels, and supporting your immune system. It can also reduce the risk of various cancers and other illnesses.

Gardening is a great way to combat loneliness, especially for older people. Community gardens are spaces where people come together and socialize while maintaining plants. This is a great way for older folks to meet new people and stimulate social interactions.

Research has shown that gardening can improve cognitive function and serve as a tool against dementia. Older people who engage in gardening have shown a lower risk of dementia and improved appetite, energy levels, sleep, social interaction, attention spans, and sense of time.