Our environment’s state is deteriorating with each passing day, and we, humans, are very much at fault for this condition. Our day-to-day actions, in some way or the other, have negative Impacts on our mother nature. It is high time for us to realise our mistakes and start working towards a brighter and greener future. Without nature, humans can’t possibly sustain their lives. We can start by doing something environmentally friendly from our own homes. If you want to fulfil your responsibilities towards the earth and the environment around you, you can always take the first step by setting up your own green space. Gardening is a hobby undertaken by many individuals, which is beneficial to us all in the bigger picture.

Gardening is taking care and nurturing a plot of land by growing plants, flowers, or vegetables, thereby making the space green and healthy. Our efforts add up to protecting the environment in the long run. Some people adopt the organic approach to grow their plants by avoiding the use of fertilisers and pesticides. If done regularly, gardening will give you peace and happiness. There are several mental and physical importance of gardening that is not known by many. Here are some that might encourage you to take up gardening:

Mental Health Benefits of Gardening

• Gardening enlightens your mood.

Have you had a bad day and want a distraction from it? Gardening can be your saviour through tough times. You can spend some hours with the plants and take care of them. You will notice that within a short period, you will forget about your worries and find peace. Keeping the plans healthy and seeing them grow properly is essential for your confidence and happiness. Being around a green space in the fresh air can have therapeutic effects on your mind.

• It aims to strengthen your bond with nature.

Nowadays, people are so busy in the hustle-bustle of their regular lives that they forget to relax and stop for a while. Connecting with nature can be an effective way to soothe your mind, body and soul. Greenery and the natural environment can have a myriad of positive impacts on your mental health. Take some time out and spend some time in the laps of mother earth. Breathe and relax.

• An effective way to lower anxiety and overcome depression

Witnessing the growth of a plant that you have nurtured and taken care of brings a sense of accomplishment. It can fill you with joy and pride and boosts your feelings. Gardening regularly can help you fight depression and allow you to distract yourself from negative thoughts. Surrounded by green plants, colourful flowers, and listening to birds’ sweet sound can reduce anxiety and stress. This whole process will lead to overall mental wellbeing.

• It helps you to focus on the present.

Nature has answers to all your questions. Nature is ever-changing and being in close association with gardening keeps you updated with the seasonal changes and their effects on your plants. You realise that even nature doesn’t have any control over itself. Bad things happen, and all you can do is wait for the right season to flourish and grow rather than weeping over the more challenging times. In the long run, you will eventually understand that time changes, and it’s worthless to look back to the past. It encourages a sense of acceptance.

Physical Benefits of Gardening

• Gardening is a great exercise.

Engaging yourself in gardening burns more calories than working out for several hours in the gym. It promotes weight loss and keeps you fit. Gardening involves digging, weeding, planting, etc. that requires a lot of physical work and many calories. It increases physical movement, flexibility and strength.

• Gardening is heart-healthy.

Gardening at home is one of the best ways to deal with stress, leading to improving your heart health. By burning calories also keeps a check on blood pressure levels which decreases heart problem risks.

• Improves overall physical health

Gardening provides significant sunlight exposure, and sunlight being an excellent source of vitamin D improves your immune system and keeps your bones strong. Studies have proven that gardening can lower the risks of dreadful diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart stroke, etc. Regular gardening provides several essential nutrients to your body.

• Promotes healthy eating habits

There is immense importance of gardening daily. You can grow fresh vegetables in your garden and start adopting healthy eating habits. Try to grow different nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits that can boost your physical health and positively impact your immune system.

Tips on Gardening:

• Beginners must start with plants that are easy to grow than those with complex techniques. Flowers like sunflowers, petunia, roses have easy maintenance and can sustain with little efforts
• Make sure that you water your plants regularly, without any fail. But always keep in mind the watering proportion. Don’t soak your plants in water as it wouldn’t promote healthy growth
• Don’t use chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Instead, adopt organic techniques.
• Ensure that your plants receive an adequate amount of sunlight, not too much or too little.  
• Trim and prune your plants whenever necessary to promote air circulation and healthy growth

If you are looking for garden décor ideas, check out sites like Pinterest or gardening blogs for inspiration. ExclusiveLane.com brings you an exclusive collection of planters for gardening at home. These are eco friendly and organic. Check out a wide variety of planters that are stylish and sleek.