Garden therapy: Why getting your hands dirty is the best ‘medicine’
The Seattle Times • • health
Key Points:
- Gardening provides moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise, improving strength, flexibility, balance, and vitamin D synthesis through outdoor activity, contributing to overall physical health.
- Engaging in gardening reduces stress by anchoring individuals to the present moment, lowering cortisol levels, and promoting a calmer nervous system through physical sensations and rhythmic work.
- Exposure to beneficial soil bacteria during gardening may enhance psychological well-being by stimulating the immune system and increasing serotonin production, acting as a natural antidepressant.
- Growing your own food fosters a deeper appreciation for seasonal eating and leads to healthier dietary habits, as homegrown produce retains more nutrients compared to store-bought options.
- Participation in gardening correlates with increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, driven not only by availability but also by a greater respect for the food-growing process.
.png?format=webp&w=120&h=80)
