Today, you hear constantly how Americans need to get more exercise. But what if you haven’t found exercise that’s interesting to you? What if you need to spend that time earning money? Gardening can be a useful way to meet all these aims. Not only is it a good source of exercise, it can also improve your mental health, save money, and protect the environment.
Increasingly, research supports “nature therapy,” the idea that when people spend time in nature, their mental health improves. And why not enjoy your yard by gardening? It’s a great way to get outside and busy. Also, gardening can improve your mood and self-esteem. When you’re connecting with the earth and growing something from scratch, how could you not feel good about that? Plus, many people’s stress levels are out the roof, something that can be helped by being outside and gardening.
As far as exercising goes, gardening can improve physical health and contribute to weight loss. Your bone strength improves in ways similar to weight training. Additionally, gardening tasks burn calories! Planting burns 177, weeding 157, and digging a whopping 199 calories per 45 minutes.
But what about money? Gardening’s great for that, too! First off, if you’re looking to grow your own food, you’ll see your savings on the weekly grocery bill. But you can also make it a small business if you want! Unusual or rare flowers and potted herbs can all be sold to make a nice profit.
That’s not it for money, though – gardens also improve the value of your home! A good landscaping job, which can be accomplished through a well-maintained garden, can add 8-15% on the real estate value. Additionally, having trees in your yard can make your house up to 20% more sellable. Now that’s talking money!
If the personal benefits don’t convince you, perhaps helping the environment stay healthy will. You can reduce food waste by composting it and using it in your garden! Also, mulch to protect your plants and the soil. Doing these can keep your yard healthy for years to come, a happy story for the next owner and the Earth.
Especially as you get older, it’s important to find accessible ways to keep activity. Gardening absolutely falls into that category. Not only are you getting all sorts of physical and mental health benefits, you can also make or save money and protect the environment in your yard.
Now imagine your yard – where could you plant a garden? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see those vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs growing and to know you grew those yourself? What a sense of accomplishment! And it makes that leisure time you spend out there all the more enjoyable.
Next time you’re looking for a productive hobby, consider gardening – you won’t be disappointed!
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