Gardening is wonderful for its bounty of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, but this feel-good hobby also comes with a list of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. We’ve got a few good reasons to get your hands dirty this summer. Gardening can help:
Provide exercise. Whether you’re shoveling or pulling weeds, being active in the garden counts as physical activity. In turn, this can help burn calories, build strength, promote sleep, and stave off health issues.
Build nutrients. Gardening in the sunshine increases levels of vitamin D in the body, which supports strong bones and immune health. Just remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Improve brain function. Research has shown that in stimulating the mind, gardening has the power to improve brain function. It may even decrease the risk of dementia.
Foster connection. Teaming up with family members or working in a community garden brings people together to work toward a common, enjoyable goal with satisfying results, fostering social connections and even friendships.
Improve mood and self-esteem. Gardening has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which can dial down stress levels and help reduce anxiety. Gardening conveys a sense of calm and purpose while building confidence and self-esteem.
Promote a healthy diet. By gardening, you can fill your plate with a variety of whole plant foods, from salad fixings to fresh fruits. A plant-based diet is linked to many health benefits, including a lower risk of obesity and other health problems.
Green Thumbs Up at the Manor
Residents at The Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center experience the benefits of gardening through Eldergrow™, an indoor garden program that provides enriching horticultural therapy for seniors. The Manor’s garden was recently chosen from nearly 300 Eldergrow gardens across 27 states to receive the organization’s Happiest and Healthiest Garden Award.
“The Eldergrow program has been wonderful for our residents,” says Toni Lynn Davis, executive director at the Manor. “They’ve reaped many benefits from these therapeutic gardening classes, and we’re happy to see their efforts recognized.”
