Gardening: Good for Body and Mind

Health consciousness is a big topic that we are being made aware of daily. Everyone has opinions on ways to take care of your body and mind that entail everything from diets to spa vacations. What if a real option to nurture yourself existed in your own backyard? The good news is that it does! Creating and tending to a garden has been a long proven method of relaxation and well-being that is relatively easy to start.
Gardening can provide you with more than beautiful plants, fruits, and vegetables. Gardening is an excellent source of exercise (1). Spending time planting and cultivating your garden gets your body moving, which can prevent heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and other health problems related to lack of exercise. Raised beds can help the elderly, disabled, or those with joint issues participate in gardening as well.
Gaining hand strength and dexterity is another health benefit from gardening worth mentioning. As we age, these are areas where we lose strength. Gardening keeps those muscles moving and strong. Gardening is even a suggested activity for those who have suffered a stroke as part of their rehabilitation program. It offers a rewarding activity to accomplish while rebuilding agility and limb/hand functions.
Gardening requires the use of several key functions daily that could ultimately stave off the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Using your body and mind to plant, cultivate, and maintain a garden can keep you physically and mentally fit enough to avoid common elderly health issues.
Another interesting benefit of working in your garden is a better immune system. Exposure to bacteria and microorganisms found in soil can boost your immunity and keep you healthier. It is possible that gardening can alleviate symptoms of allergies, asthma, and skin conditions caused by a weaker immune system (2).
Much research also suggests that gardening can improve mental health. Being outside in nature and proactively caring for and nurturing plants can have a therapeutic effect, making us less prone to anxiety and depression. Spending time in a green and peaceful environment calms the mind. Watching plants thrive and grow under your care can encourage self esteem and give hope in the future.
Gardens have been showing up as part of community programs, youth and school programs, and even in prison settings. The therapeutic benefits they provide are unmatched in simplicity and satisfaction. Anyone can learn to tend to plants in a garden.
It does not matter if you live in the suburbs or in the city. You can make space for even the smallest of gardens. Urban gardens (3) have been gaining popularity, with plenty of ideas on the internet to make one for yourself if you don’t have a yard to carve it out of.
Start planning your garden spot today and discover the tranquility and well-being that can be gained with your little slice of nature. The stress and problems of work and the outside world will fade as you watch your garden thrive.
(1) http://learn.eartheasy.com/2014/09/6-unexpected-health-benefits-of-gardening/
(2) https://www.organiclesson.com/6-wonderful-health-benefits-of-gardening/
(3) https://www.redfin.com/blog/2016/04/how-to-start-your-own-urban-garden.html

Here is new special feature for CCE-RC’s blog: a guest author presentation from Maria Cannon. Ms Cannon shares her newfound passion for gardening in this featured contribution. Her perspective is her own. If you would like to be a guest contributor, please contact Charlie Pane, cap295@cornell.edu.