Gardening is one such recreational activity that gives delight and helps passing of leisure time. It is often adopted as a hobby by many and some take it up as a passion. Gardening gives pleasure to the aching soul and refreshes one after a hard day’s work. Early in the morning a walk in the garden fills the lungs with pure fresh air. A garden is also a home to several species of butterflies which lend charm to the verdant looks of the garden. Many beautiful birds too find their homes in gardens. Their heartening and melodious voice keeps us away from the monotonous regimen of our daily lives. But mainly gardens enhance the beauty of our homes and specially our nature. The seasonal flowers are the bestest and richest fair a garden can offer.
A gardener has to play the role of a mother all the time. Like a child needs the personal care of his / her parents a garden too needs our personal care. Gardens need our love and care to grow well. Like humans and animals feel, a plant too feels. So we must love and take care of a plant like our beloved ones. What a lovely feast to eyes it is to see a green lawn with lovely, fragrant flowers and sprouting plants.
When it comes to fitness the first thing that comes to our mind is gym. But the good news is that the gym is very close to our house than we think- it is our garden in fact. Researchers have found out that one can reap the same health benefits from gardening as from a workout in a gym. Our mind as well as emotions can also improve. Apart from this gardening also gives us healthier, fresher and more nutritious food like fruits and vegetables. This also saves fuel and protects us from the dangerous chemicals used today to ripen the fruits and vegetables. Also plants in garden use carbon to grow which keeps a check on global warming. Also trees and shrubs near our houses reduce heat loss in winters and protect the house from harsh summers. Flowering plants provide beneficial food for insects and facilitate pollination. This is called Organic Gardening that saves tons of pesticides and fertilizers and prevent them from draining into our water bodies and prevent several diseases. Plants also hold soil preventing soil erosion.
Gardening is a widely used therapy for stimulating the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer disease. Gardening may also help slow down the loss of short term memory. Moreover gardening is a form of moderate exercising which lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also helps in preventing of Type II diabetes, heart diseases and strokes. Spending 30 minutes in a garden can burn up 200 to 360 calories.
There are several other surprising benefits of gardening-
Gardening improves our satisfaction with life. Spending time in a garden , surrounded by flowers, vegetables and wildlife makes one realize the true essence of life and keeps one’s life free from all the hustle bustle. It gives some rest to the mind which is constantly working all day long. It gives a feeling of peace and self- satisfaction.
Gardening also leads to lower osteoporosis risk. All the physical activity done during gardening leads to weight loss and better physical health. It can also improve bone strength. The rate of osteoporosis is lower than joggers, swimmers and aerobics. It also helps fight obesity.
Gardening also helps in lowering diabetes risk according to research. Also fresh food grown in garden helps fight diabetes as it develops immunity against harmful pests and insects.
The main mental benefit of gardening is that it helps in getting better sleep. Studies suggest that people suffering with dementia and anxiety have found that gardening helps keep calm their agitation leading to better sleep patterns and improve the quality of rest.
Apart from health and mental benefits the main reward that gardening is that it is good for the environment. Going green avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and taking care of our beloved earth. The best reward an individual gets is a thriving organic garden rich in fresh and pure fruits and vegetable which produces tasty food throughout the years. Local gardens would also support the purchase and sale of locally produced food. Gardening helps design a landscape that sets a community standard of prosperity, tranquility and serenity.
Lawns provide clean space for recreation of young children and adults to play and relax. Grass is very effective in breaking down pollutants. It provides pure and fresh oxygen for breathing. Thus, gardening has manifold benefits. But the most golden benefit of it is that it helps build a greener and cleaner environment and encourages people to spend time away from innumerable gadgets that humans today are obsessed and surrounded with.
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