Gardening is for men too!
Picture this: it’s a beautiful 70º day, the sun is shining, there is a light breeze and you aren’t crammed in an office all day. Already a dream, right? While most of us men don’t mind yard work, gardening isn’t often listed under our “hobbies.” Playing in flowers cannot be a manly activity, can it? It sure can! Growing and caring for plants is a real skill and great way to spend your afternoons. If farming can be a masculine task, then gardening is really just farming on a smaller scale. Not all of us have hundreds of acres to crop corn on.
All of the real men are gardening and below you will find the reasons you should be too!
Gardening is an activity that will not only beautify the look of your garden, which is pleasing to both your eyes and your nose, but also has major health benefits for all.
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Improves your immune system
With all the dirt involved, you might think that gardening is a messy activity but it is something that might actually benefit you and your health. The bacteria known as Mycobacterium vaccae that is present in the soil is what studies have shown improves your immune system, maintains cognitive functions, boosts self-esteem, and alleviate symptoms of allergies, depression, and asthma. This is why this why it is also known as the ‘friendly’ bacteria.
Reduces stress levels and relieves anxiety
As per some recent studies, the cortisol level that is present in your brain can be lowered through gardening on a regular basis. Cortisol is basically known as the ‘stress hormone’ that is extremely important for sustaining body functions. With a higher level of cortisol, your blood pressure and glucose level may be affected and result in anxiety.
Reduces the risk of dementia
A recent study has shown that gardening reduces the risk of dementia by a certain percentage. The reason behind this could be that as this activity requires sensory awareness and some muscle work which includes bending, twisting, and walking around a short amount spent doing gardening can maintain motor skills, improve endurance, achieve much-needed physical activity, improve muscle strength, and help prevent other age-related health problems.
An indirect source of exercise
Like swimming or riding a bike, gardening might not be that vigorous of an activity but it is a hearty one. It is a light exercise that can slow down the aging process.
Light stretching is highly recommended by aerobic experts before or after you are done with dealing with your flower bed to avoid tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Instills positivity in you and makes you happy
If you are out doing gardening then this means you have an infinite supply of fresh oxygen too. Fresh air can do wonders for you and so can the sunshine that provides you with an ample amount of vitamin D that is necessary to keep the fluids running in your bones and joints.
Further, the sun’s rays boost the level of serotonin in your brain which is a chemical responsible for your mood. As a result of this outside exposure, you feel more calm and relaxed.
So there you have it, folks. 5 health benefits of getting outside, breathing fresh air, soaking up some sun, getting a little dirty, and burning a few calories. What else could you ask for in a hobby you can maintain from the comfort of your own front yard? So hit your local home improvement store and get to planting!
