Exercising in your garden can lower chronic pain and improve mood. The magic is in consistent and regular movement, whether it be walking, digging, lifting, or tending to your garden; a garden is a balm for the soul because when you’re active outdoors it can help you feel better.
Creating time and a space for yourself outside in the sunshine can be a critically important part of your wellness lifestyle plan. Scientists agree that reducing stress symptoms while alleviating depression and anxiety is particularly effective with moderate exercise.
The Benefits of Being Outdoors in a Garden
If thoughtfully performed, gardening can be considered moderate exercise, which is very good for your heart, muscles, and lungs. Yet being outdoors offers many additional benefits such as boosting energy levels, help in mitigating physical pain through direct sunlight exposure, and increasing your brain’s ability to be creative. Outdoor exposure also reduces seasonal affective disorder (a mild depression that can affect some people), more sunlight increases levels of Vitamin D, and simply spending a few moments outdoors can help reduce both emotional and physical stress.
