Stress is a part of everyone's life, whether we like it or not.
According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 50% of adults report that stress negatively affects their behavior. With this in mind, it's more important than ever to find a way to feel disappointed.
Fortunately, your garden can be a good place to start.
Spending time outdoors has many benefits. By spending just two hours a week in nature, you can reap these benefits and improve your life. That's just 17 minutes a day. If you are already planning to start gardening in your home or community, then you are already on your way to improving your physical, mental, social and financial health.
Nature has a profound effect on the human body and its physical benefits are well studied. Spending time outdoors not only lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, but it also helps your body produce essential vitamin D. Additionally, gardening provides physical activity that keeps your body fit and improves joint health, as well as muscle definition and flexibility. The physical benefits of gardening are numerous, but they are not limited to your physical health.
Do you find that in an increasingly digital world, your mind is busier than ever? Switching off and going outside can improve your cognition and emotions. Just 10 minutes in nature can reduce stress levels and improve concentration, and gardening in particular can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. If you're feeling down or down, spending time in your yard or garden can do wonders for your mood.
The only thing better than outwardly improving your happiness and well-being is sharing those feelings with others. While gardening can be a quiet, solitary activity, it can also be a way to connect with other people, the animals we share the land with, and the land itself. Research shows that spending more time in nature can be associated with greater kindness towards nature itself and towards other people. Being outdoors together can be a great way to build a community.
To reap the social benefits of gardening, consider inviting neighbors and friends to enjoy your garden or lawn, volunteer at a local community garden, or join a local master gardener group. By sharing the benefits of nature and gardening, you only increase the benefits you receive.
Last but not least in today's economy gardening has financial benefits. If you've been to the grocery store lately, you've probably noticed the price increase.
Gardening in your home and community can provide you with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers for your home and others. Not only will this save you money, but it will also enable you to provide for yourself in a new way. In addition to the daily and weekly financial benefits, lawn and garden maintenance can add value to a property. Gardening can bring you financial benefits today and in the long run!
Whether you're an experienced gardener or thinking about getting one for the first time, there are plenty of good reasons to spend more time in your garden and yard this year. Getting bored and taking a break from the screen is just the beginning. Your body, mind, loved ones and even your wallet will thank you!
If you have questions about your garden or landscape, please contact the Head Gardener at the University of Illinois Mattoon Extension Division at 217-345-7034.
The Illinois Extension leads the University of Illinois Public Advocacy by turning research into action plans that empower Illinois families, businesses and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions and adapt to change and opportunity.
