Not all homes come with a garden as standard. If you have the good fortune to enjoy your own backyard, you are incredibly lucky. Only around 55% of US households have their own garden, and those without are missing out on incredible benefits to their health and wellbeing.
We all like to spend time outdoors in the summer months, but when the temperature drops over winter it can be tempting to wrap up in a blanket and lounge on the sofa with the TV on. But the truth is, spending time in the garden is beneficial all year round. If you have one, you should make the most of it.
If you are guilty of spending too much time indoors and neglecting your beautiful backyard, here are some excellent reasons you should be spending more quality time in the garden.
It makes you happier
There are countless studies that show that time spent in nature makes you happier, and there are few things more joyful than being in your own pleasant garden. Just take a step outside and you can enjoy breathing in fresh air, smelling the sweet scent of summer flowers, and listening to the chirping of birds. Just a few minutes outdoors is great for your mood, and a welcome boost if you are feeling a little down in the dumps. Much better than wasting your valuable time staring at screens indoors.
It boosts your mental health
In the digital age we are constantly faced with a barrage of screens, social media posts, and other technological phenomena which only serve to add to our levels of stress and anxiety. Phones and the internet are becoming increasingly necessary for our day-to-day survival in the modern world, but excessive use has disastrous consequences for our mental health.
Spending time in nature provides an incredible medicine for the stresses of the modern world. It is an opportunity to get away from screens and immerse oneself in nature. A few hours outdoors gives you an enormous dopamine hit which makes you feel happier, more rested, and calmer. It is the perfect antidote to a stressful job or tumultuous personal life.
It doesn’t matter whether you actively engage in outdoor meditation or simply go for a walk to the bottom of the garden and back, you will immediately feel much better for it.
It teaches you new skills
Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools a person can have, and the garden is an incredible hub of new information and skills. You could spend a lifetime learning all there is to know about gardening and the natural world, but you can pick up new nuggets of knowledge everytime you set foot outside the door.
Anyone can be a gardener. It is a relatively simple exercise that is as complicated as you make it. Start small, with a few select plants that are easy to take care of. Over time you will learn more and more about each species and what it takes to keep them alive. As you become more experienced you can start adding more exotic flora, and you will soon become an expert. The more time you spend outdoors, the more familiar you will become with the unique calls of the birds and the best way to tackle certain gardening techniques.
When it comes to gardening, it’s important to note that you should be patient and not rush into it. Learn to handle the small jobs initially, and work your way up to bigger projects like building a bird feeder or installing a path. If you are not sure how to proceed with a job, the best thing to do is call in a professional, such as danielsprioritylandscaping.com.
It is a great workout
Physical exercise is crucial for a healthy life, but it can be difficult to make time to hit the gym and go for an early morning run before work. The great thing about gardening is that it gives you a fantastic workout without even seeming like it. Digging flower beds, lifting heavy plant pots, raking leaves and hoeing weeds will all cause you to break a sweat. You’ll be constantly giving your cardiovascular system a boost and your body will thank you for it. In the beginning you might start to feel a little achy, but your muscles will get stronger and your fitness will increase. In the long run you will be healthier and less susceptible to certain illnesses.
It helps the environment
It’s no secret that Planet Earth is in trouble. Global warming has progressed so much that we are on the edge of environmental collapse. You may not be able to solve the problem of climate change from your own backyard, but you can still make an effort to help the environment. If everyone were to do the same, it would make a big difference.
You can start by reducing your household waste, by composting your used vegetable peels, coffee grounds and tea bags. You can also increase the biodiversity of your small slice of paradise by planting flowers and encouraging birds and other creatures to visit. Growing your own food is another great option, as it will not only save you money, but it will reduce your reliance on the agricultural industry, which is one of the biggest polluters on the planet.
It entertains the kids
Do you have small children to entertain? Whether it’s your own children, your grandkids or nephews and nieces, little ones are notoriously hard to entertain. And you don’t want to be irresponsible by sticking them in front of screens all day. Before technology, children would spend all day outside, only coming home when it was dark or time for dinner. Take the kids back to the good old days by entertaining them outdoors. Pick up a few toys and games like soccer balls, a swingball set, water pistols, or a trampoline. Or keep them occupied and engaged by getting them involved in the gardening process, teaching them about different plants and animals along the way. A garden can provide endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.
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