The Benefits of Gardening
Gardening can encourage movement, and things like watering flowers or planting seeds is considered a low impact exercise that keeps you moving. It's important to know your physical limitations but doing what you are able can help keep you flexible. In recent years, there has been an increase in community gardens. People can help help plant and maintain the gardens within their capabilities. It also has the benefit of socializing with people in your neighborhood. And you get to reap the benefits of the home grown produce.
Being outdoors and enjoying nature can help relieve stress by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Gardening helps you focus on the task rather than stressful situations. And it can also improve your mood by giving you a sense of accomplishment when your efforts are rewarded by beautiful plants and nutritious produce. Being around plants can also have a therapeutic effect, including reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of relaxation as you admire the beauty.
Indoor plants or having planters on a deck or patio may be easier to maintain but still provide benefits of relaxation and improvement of mood.
If you are considering taking up gardening, there are some additional things to consider. First, choose the right plants for the area or type gardening you want to do. And protect your produce from wildlife by fencing in your garden.
People with balance or mobility issues are at an increase risk for falls, especially in an outside garden. If you are gardening outside, sun exposure can help vitamin D intake, as it is absorbed through the skin. But make sure you don't over do it and get too much sun exposure. Protect your skin as needed by wearing a hat or visor, using sunscreen or wearing long sheeve shirts and pants. And stay hydrated especially in warmer weather. Also, protect yourself from insect bites. Many people live in areas were Lyme disease from deer ticks is prevalent. Wearing protective clothing and checking yourself from ticks when you have been outside is important.
If you enjoy flowers or growing produce, take advantage of the growing season in your area and enjoy the benefits of gardening!