As the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom, many people spend their time gardening. It's not always fun, but it can have health benefits, as neurosurgeon Dr. Deborah Benzil from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA explains.
Gardening is coming, according to Dr. Benzil benefits not only physical but also mental health. First of all, gardening has the advantage that it usually takes place in the fresh air, and outdoor activities have been proven to have a positive effect on mental health, reports the expert.
Good for the psyche
Another advantage of gardening is that it gives you a feeling of fulfillment, for example when you see the flowers you previously planted bloom or your first vegetables being harvested. The psyche can also benefit from this.
Various studies have already proven the positive effects of gardening on mental health. For example, research published in the journal PLOS ONE shows that twice-weekly gardening is associated with less stress, anxiety and depression in women.
In another study, the results of which can be read in the English-language journal “Ecopsychology”, it became clear that gardening also helps to improve one's own body image, which in turn benefits psychological and physical resilience and general well-being.
Benefits of exercise
In addition, gardening is also a form of exercise that is known to have many health benefits and protect against various diseases and weight problems.
The results of research published in the English-language journal “The Lancet Planetary Health” provide concrete evidence that gardening can play an important role in preventing cancer, diabetes, various chronic diseases and mental disorders.
Better protection against osteoporosis
Gardening also improves strength and weight, which Dr. Benzil is very good for preventing osteoporosis. “I think gardening is the perfect exercise, especially as we get older, past 30 or 35, when we really need to start thinking about these things,” the doctor explains in a press release from the Cleveland Clinic.
Gardening can be fun, even if it involves moving and being physically active. In addition, you don't really feel like you're doing strenuous exercise.
Avoid back pain
However, the physical strain can sometimes be too great and therefore some precautionary measures should be taken to ensure that gardening does not become torture for the back and injuries do not occur.
That's how it is according to Dr. It is generally important for Benzil not to bend over from the small of the back, as this can put strain on the back. Instead, you should squat down when gardening or use a stool that you can sit on when working in the bed or planting flowers, says the doctor.
Be careful with heavy loads
Caution should be exercised, especially when moving heavy loads such as mulch or soil, to avoid injuries. The doctor recommends using a wheelbarrow if possible or storing the bags at waist height to make it easier to lift and carry them.
“Like any other movement, you have to prepare. It's important to do a little stretching before gardening, and it's also important to stretch after gardening,” says Dr. Benzil. Five to ten minutes of gentle stretching are sufficient.
More gardening for your health
In summary, gardening has wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits and can help protect against serious illnesses. (as)