Gardening is considered an art and a healthy choice that can induce peace, joy, and harmony into one’s life. It also induces a deep sense of connection with the self, promotes health, and opens a new perspective of life. Gardening can include focusing on cultivating a particular type of plant or a specific series of plants. It also involves cultivating numerous varieties of plants and shrubs for food and medicinal use.

Irrespective of your planting choice, gardening involves active participation, with the health benefits of gardening eventually showing through:

1. Gardening lowers blood pressure
Apart from assisting you in burning calories, gardening activities are effective in reducing and preventing high blood pressure. Spending 30 to 45 minutes doing garden work is what you need to do on a daily basis.

2. It’s good for your bones
One of the biggest health benefits of gardening is that you spend a good amount of time outdoors. Your skin is exposed to the sun and you absorb Vitamin D that enhances calcium levels. The result is healthier bones and more flexible joints. It’s especially a recommended activity for elderly people so that they enjoy the simple pleasures of life while maintaining health.

3. It lowers the risk of heart disease
Although there’s no high-intensity cardio exercise involved with gardening, it’s still an excellent way to lower the risk of cardiac diseases by 30%. The result is derived from the activities done with mud and being in lush green surroundings regularly.

4. Boosts your immune system
Getting your hands in the dirt and mud exposes you to healthy bacteria present in the soil. One of the best health benefits of gardening is that your immune system gets a boost and, thus, fights infections better. Gardening activities also help prevent several allergies and greatly decrease the severity of a reaction. It also alleviates symptoms of psoriasis and asthma that often result from a weakened immune system.

5. Develops hand strength and dexterity
The agility and strength of your hands can reduce as you age. This also limits the range of activities that you used to perform without much effort. Gardening is an exceptional way to get that vigor and vitality back into your hands. However, it’s advisable to take caution not overdo gardening activities. You must position yourself comfortably and perform different tasks in a specific manner and use both hands to improve mental coordination.

6. Combats loneliness and depression
One of the health benefits of gardening is the positive effect it has on mental health. Gardening gives a lift to your mood and provides therapeutic effects to the mind. Depression and loneliness can be prevented by involving in horticultural therapy. The desired results are derived from physical activity and awareness of your natural surroundings. Your mood improves from the pleasure you derive from gardening work and the cognitive stimulation it provides. Dirt in the soil contains a natural antidepressant that enhances cytokine levels. This boost increases the production of serotonin that can ward off mental issues.

Enjoying healthy food, boosting self-esteem, and relieving stress are others among the top health benefits of gardening.