Gardening as a Natural Health Booster

Think of one activity you could do that provides exercise, mental health benefits, time enjoying nature and a healthier diet all at the same time.  Working in your garden a few times a week is the best way to boost your healthy lifestyle.

Gardening works a variety of muscles and can provide aerobic benefits as well.  Start with a brisk walk, taking trips from the garage to the garden while you gather tools.  Once you are warmed up, do some stretching exercises and then get to work.  Digging, raking, weeding, planting, and turning your compost pile are all vigorous activities that engage the major muscle groups.  Vary your pace to add aerobic value.  Switch from left-handed to right-handed to increase coordination and balanced muscle development.

Use your imagination with your movements in the garden, but remember to use proper form.  Bend from the knees and use your legs when lifting, rather than your back.  Keep your back straight and be aware of any signs of muscle overuse or strain.  A cool down walk around the garden while watering, picking produce or just surveying your hard work will complete your garden workout.

Gardening also provides you with needed stress relief and mental health benefits. Just being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine helps lift your mood.  Studies have shown that gardening has a positive effect on our mood and can cut down on depression and anxiety.  It allows you to relax and experience the rhythms of nature.  When was the last time you took the time to appreciate the small things in the world around you?

You will use your creative energy to plan your garden, and feel the satisfaction of nurturing your plants and providing your own healthy food source.  Gardens don’t grow overnight, and through patience and care you can learn to really appreciate the fruits of your labor.

Everyone knows that vegetables and fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet, and most of us don’t eat enough of them.  The USDA and National Institute of Health guidelines recommend at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  Just planting a simple garden could provide you with all of the fresh produce you need to improve your diet.

Fresh produce is loaded with vitamin and nutrients that you may be missing in your diet.  Planting spinach in your garden would provide folate, vitamin A, and iron.  Add a row of tomato plants and you’ve added vitamin C and potassium. Red bell peppers will also add vitamin A and C.  For nutritious fruit choices, add strawberries or cantaloupe.

Garden produce also provides necessary fiber for health.  Fiber makes fruits and vegetables a low calorie substitute for more fattening foods.  They’ll fill you up while improving your health.

Get ready to garden!  You’ll combine outdoor exercise with the satisfaction of creating something beautiful in the world.  You’ll have healthy food choices at your fingertips, and a bright new outlook on life.