Digging into the benefits of gardening

There are more garden benefits than just pretty flowers and fresh veggies. You might be surprised to learn that getting your hands a little dirty comes with some serious physical and mental health benefits. The next seed you plant may help you grow into a happier, healthier you version of yourself.

Outdoor exercise

You may not realise it but a day in the garden is actually a sneaky workout session. Think about it; in a usual gardening session you’ll be:

• squatting to plant
• lunging to pull weeds
• carrying bags of soil
• digging
• raking, and
• pushing a mower.

All of these activities work large muscle groups, meaning you could burn as many calories as you would at the gym. It’s the reason why there’s even an exercise called the ‘farmer’s walk’.

Plus, spending time kneeling, reaching, and twisting among the flower beds does wonders for your balance and flexibility – all linked to improved joint mobility and lower risk of frailty as we age.

Vitamin D sunlight boost

Nothing raises your Vitamin D levels like being in the sun – it’s the most natural and efficient way for your body to synthesise the vitamin. Being outdoors for stretches of time exposes you to sunlight, helping you get enough Vitamin D throughout the day. Just make sure to slip, slop, slap, slide if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time.

What does Vitamin D do?

This little super-vitamin can increase calcium, which is essential for bone health, immune system support, muscle functions, and hormonal health. As if that wasn’t enough, Vitamin D has also been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain cancers, and autoimmune conditions.

Feelings of happiness

The secret to happiness lies in… the dirt? Research shows that soil contains ‘happy bacteria’, microbes that can trigger the release of serotonin (the ‘happy chemical’) which improves our mood and possibly our brain function as well.

Interacting with nature causes people to breathe more deeply, increasing oxygen levels in the blood and reducing heart rate and muscle tension – which is why getting outdoors is so good for our mental health.

Gardening is also an opportunity to disconnect from daily pressures and focus on being present in the moment; this practice of mindfulness helps lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Having a regular gardening routine can also provide structure to our day, which has been shown to ease stress.

A sense of empathy and community

Some studies suggest the act of caring for plants fosters a sense of compassion and empathy. This may be because it taps into the same nurturing pathways as caring for people.

Gardening can also bring people together, helping build social connections. Community garden plots are shared spaces where you can get to know your neighbours, with master gardeners often volunteering to educate newbies.

A mental workout

Gardening tasks not only engage multiple senses, but they also involve planning, problem-solving, and decision-making – all of which stimulate different areas of the brain, strengthening neural networks.

Increased brain activity enhances cognitive functions like memory and attention. By keeping your mind active and engaged, you’re developing your ability to focus and improving your mental agility over time.

The gardening glow up

Finally, gardening might just be the inner glow up you need. Even if you don’t think you were born with a green thumb, nurturing plants from seed to harvest can foster a sense of purpose and accomplishment. If you can grow a garden, is there anything you can’t do?

And while you’re taking care of your plants, it’s important to look after yourself too. Whether it’s a spa session or a yoga class, there are lots of ways to find your zen at Virgin Active.