Not that long ago I reached an age that many people would consider old. Soon I started using my age as an excuse for the subtle decrease in energy levels I felt. For example, after a full day’s work, I would be reluctant to perform any routine chores like laundry. Instead I preferred to do something that was more sedentary, like reading. I told myself it was my age slowing me down. I was wrong.
I recently moved into a new home that has some wonderful little gardens. I love nature, so I am happily planting annuals, weeding and generally spending more time outside with my plants. In just a few short weeks I noticed a definite increase in my energy levels and sense of well-being. Since I haven’t changed any other aspect of my lifestyle, I realized that this newfound burst of energy is related to the increase in my exposure to natural light and the extra gardening. This is not surprising as there are multiple health benefits associated with gardening.
Almost every patient I encounter in my practice has “more energy” added to their wish list of benefits they would like to receive from treatment. Gardening is a do-it-yourself energy treatment that is easy and inexpensive. You don’t have to go out and buy a farm, there are simple ways to introduce a little gardening into your life.
Go for a Walk
Just being outside in the sunlight is a mood enhancer. It reduces stress hormones and increases vitamin D levels. Admiring other people’s gardens is a gentle way to get a little exercise in as well. I know several people who love visiting local gardens, like Longwood Gardens. Another easy way to benefit from gardening is to take advantage of the many pick-your-own farms in the area. Last year I picked a couple of buckets of organic strawberries and dried them. They lasted all year. It was time well spent.
Grow herbs on your kitchen counter
Installing a simple grow light under your kitchen counter and placing your favorite herbs under it is another easy way of gardening. Having the herbs right at hand will encourage you to use them more while cooking. Herbs have many health benefits. I have Basil growing under my kitchen counter which is an anti-inflammatory herb and has cardiovascular benefits. Who doesn’t love pesto?
Tomatoes on the Patio
Container gardens are the best way to go in my opinion. You spend way less time weeding, only need a small space and can completely control the environment your plants grow in. People of all ages and abilities can grow a tomato in a container. Lots of food grows well in containers. This year I am growing cherry tomatoes, spinach, arugula, beans, peppers, eggplants and cabbage on my deck. It is such a joy to be able to walk out on your patio and pick the ingredients for a fresh salad. Studies show that gardeners tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and everyone knows that is a good thing! And you know what they say- vegetable gardening is like printing your own money.
Open your windows and put in a window box
Tending plants increases your exposure to the color green. According to a 2016 study, people who live in or near a green space have lower incidence of mental illness and higher life expectancy than those living away from green spaces. Tending a window- sill garden will give you a dose of green every time you water it. Growing indoor plants counts as gardening too.
Gardens don’t have to be big plots.
According to the square foot gardening experts, just 16 square feet (4×4 feet) of garden per person is all you need to produce a large variety of fresh seasonal produce. Weeding and watering even a small garden will improve anyone’s flexibility and strength. In addition to benefits for the body, gardening also benefits the mind. Studies have shown that gardening reduces one’s risk of dementia by as much as 36%.
Weed by Hand
Walking around your yard squirting weed killer on your weeds may save you time, but it does nothing to enhance your health (not to mention the health of the Environment). Throw out the poisons and get down and pull your weeds by hand. Getting yourself exposed to dirt is good for you. It helps repopulate the beneficial micro-organisms that live in our body depleted by our high stress-bad diet-antimicrobial laden lifestyles. A number of studies from around the world are proving that exposure to bacteria found in soil is beneficial to our health. Many experts are recommending early exposure to a natural environment is essential in the development of a healthy immune system for children.
Want more energy? Get out and do some gardening.