Talk with any die-hard gardener about why they love gardening and they will give you at least a dozen reasons. Most often they will start with how much they love the fresh air, the heavenly smells of all the different flowers, the taste and nutrition of home-grown vegetables and fruits, the warmth of the sun on their faces, or the opportunity to be closer to nature. But there are many additional health benefits which gardening provides.
Depending on one’s age, physical health status, and intensity of activity, working in the garden is an excellent source of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Not only does it improve muscle strength, working in the garden also offers cardiovascular and mental health benefits as well. According to the US Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, gardening is one of the best physical activities to consider due to its low injury rates, ease of accessibility, and associated low costs for participation.
While some people look forward to hitting the gym for a workout, many others do not. Personal reasons, cost, time, and fluctuating work and family lives can make committing to a gym membership near impossible. Fortunately, a regular workout routine doesn’t have to include a health club, gym, or running around your neighborhood. Studies have shown that most adult gardeners can easily put in the suggested 150-300 minutes of suggested exercise/week. How? Digging, planting, mowing, watering, weeding, and raking can easily help you burn 300+ calories/hour depending on your weight. This is similar to what the same person might burn playing an hour of pickleball, doubles tennis, or dancing.
In addition, mental health assessments have proven that spending just two hours/week outside gardening (or taking a walk in a forest or nature preserve), substantially boosts the mood of most people and decreases aggression. I often “prescribe” a 3x/week or more nature walk to many of my patients – usually with very positive results. Here is a photo of a mug I keep on my desk at the office.
My patients LOVE it. It never fails to make them smile and laugh, and also serves as a great ice breaker for discussions surrounding nature, gardening, and mental health. It is also the time when I share that even after I’ve had the most horrible, rotten, and absolutely terrible day possible, thanks to the health benefits of gardening, I have never felt inclined to punch anyone in the throat.
Nature nurtures us all.
For me, I try to spend at least 3 hours/week in the garden. Sometimes, it may only be for 30 minutes at a time doing light weeding, pruning, or simply enjoying the new spring blooms. Other times, I’m in a full sweat digging up and dividing perennials or planting a new tree. Either way, I love how refreshed and recharged I feel– even if my muscles are a bit sore afterward. Little wonder why gardening has taken off as one of the most popular hobbies today. It is the perfect activity for our mind, body, and soul.
May you have good emotional and physical health.
Happy gardening.
