Digging In The Dirt Helps You Blossom And Grow
by Allyson Dekker on April 28th, 2010
Loading ...Left to their own devices, small children will often spend hours just digging in the dirt. Studies show that if we as adults spent more time “digging in the dirt” we would enjoy enhanced physical, mental and spiritual health. This spring, make a point to get your hands dirty by planting a garden and watch your health blossom and grow.
The benefits of gardening are so well-documented that “horticultural therapy” has emerged as a proven method to support physical healing by promoting happiness and peace. Because gardening has numerous emotional benefits, it has been introduced into various settings including prisons, alternative schools, nursing homes, hospice centers and hospitals. People who participate in gardening therapy experience a sense of accomplishment, increased self-esteem and a feeling of purpose. The relaxation of gardening can be a very effective way to combat anxiety. When you’re outside gardening, it’s easy to let your mind wander toward positive thoughts and that helps us relax and slow down. Gardening is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from small children to senior citizens.
If you choose to grow vegetables in your garden you will reap the added bonus of significant nutritional benefits. When you grow your own vegetables you don’t have to worry about which chemicals were used in the growing process. Many of the vegetables sold in supermarkets aren’t fresh because they have spent several days in transit. They are often picked too early which reduces the amounts of nutrients they contain.
Gardens can be as simple or as elaborate as we want them to be. The trick is to find the level that best fits your needs. If you have limited space you can still raise vegetables in containers. A windowsill, patio, balcony or doorstep can provide adequate space for a container garden. A hanging basket with cherry tomatoes or a colorful herb mix can add fragrance and character to a patio area. Planter boxes with trellises work well on an apartment balcony.
The physical activity associated with gardening contributes to better fitness. Gardening helps strengthen core muscles, increases flexibility, increases oxygenation and burns calories. In fact, 30 minutes of work in a garden can burn between 200 and 360 calories. The connection with Mother Nature can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce stress.
Gardening is extremely gratifying because you get to admire (and taste) things you have cultivated with your own hands. Nothing tastes better than a fresh tomato plucked straight from the vine in your backyard. Make this the year that you and your family discover the joys of digging in the dirt so that you can reap the physical, spiritual and emotional benefits of gardening.
This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.