With increasing obesity and mental health levels, our team of Colchester Osteopaths look at how gardening could be the perfect answer
Years of research show that there are endless physical and mental health benefits to gardening. With increasing obesity and mental health levels, it’s even more important to take advantage of time outside…and maybe gardening could be the answer?
Here’s why:
- Just 30 minutes of moderate-level gardening a few times a week can prevent and control high blood pressure.
- Gardening can be a great stress relief. Time outside whilst doing something that is productive can be more effective at managing stress levels than other forms of exercise.
- Gardening burns calories. Gardening is considered moderate to high-intensity exercise and according to research you can burn up to 330 calories during just one hour of light gardening!
- Gardening can be great for children, who if exposed to dirt from a young age, can develop healthier and stronger immune systems.
- It has been suggested by research that being surrounded by flowers can have an immediate impact on happiness and long term positive effects on mood.
- Similar to those who practice Pilates or run, gardening provides “Time out” and can enable you to enter the ‘zone’ o an altered state of consciousness.
- Gardening may help decrease the possibility of developing Osteoporosis due to stretching some of the major muscle groups.
- Gardening may improve relationships with others. Research shows that people who spend lengths of time around plants tend to have better relationships with others and care for others.
- Gardening strengthens your immune system. Being outside and soaking up plenty of vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. This in turn may help keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy.
- Some research suggests that the physical activity associated with gardening can help lower the risk of developing dementia.
However, it is always important to carry out any gardening carefully. For advice please contact us directly.
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