More than just a way to clear your head and get your hands dirty, gardening is a hobby blossoming with benefits. Studies have shown that gardening can have a beneficial effect on holistic health, ranging from improved surgery recovery to better mental wellbeing.
A surprising source of physical exercise
A simple project like planting a small veggie garden can be a great workout for the whole body. A study from Harvard even found the number of calories burned in 30 minutes of gardening was comparable to playing sports like badminton, volleyball and gymnastics.
And there’s no age limit on having a green thumb. Research shows that only about half of all people aged over 65 in New Zealand are regularly active, so a healthy hobby like gardening can be a good form of exercise for older people who might require more physical exercise.
A full body activity, gardening encourages use of all motor skills, improves endurance and strength, and does wonders for your flexibility. Spending some time in the sun is also a natural and efficient way to soak up Vitamin D – of which 32 per cent of New Zealanders are below the recommended blood level.
A green stress-reliever
Tending to a garden and spending time in nature is an excellent opportunity to get away from the stressors of everyday life. A 2016 study found that participants who engaged in 30 minutes of gardening reported greater mental health – improvements in mood and self-esteem – compared to those who didn’t. And you don’t need a big backyard to benefit: even a small patch of green has been said to reduce cortisol – the stress hormone.
If you don’t have access to a personal garden, community gardening is an alternative you can try. Regular community gardeners enjoyed building social connections and learning from each other. Community gardens offer a form of escapism from stressful urban environments and can provide a sense of belonging and a place of identity and attachment for like-minded green thumbs.
Try introducing natives
Native vegetation plays a crucial role in the health of our environment. It reduces land degradation and salinity, improves water quality and provides habitats for a variety of species, which in turn increases and improves biodiversity in our ecosystem. Plus, native flora doesn’t require fertilisers or pesticides – which saves you time and money. On your next visit to the nursery, have a look for some colourful and sweet-smelling natives that will entice more visitors to your garden.
AIA Vitality is the science-backed programme that helps you learn more about your health, offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.
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