Many Brits will be venturing out into their gardens now the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. While it’s common knowledge that gardening can boost your mental health and physical fitness, there is one lesser-known benefit of being outside.
Experts claim gardening can actually promote longevity and make us live longer. This is because getting outside into fresh air and being exposed to natural light can boost our immune systems. Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from My Job Quote – an online hub for finding the best gardeners in the industry – said: “Spending time outdoors in the fresh air with exposure to natural light rather than being stuck in front of screens all day can provide a big boost to your immune system.”
“Gardening outside in the sunlight will provide your body with a good dose of Vitamin D, which will help you build resistance against chronic disease.”
As well as boosting your immune system, gardening can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Kamalyn Kaur, a therapist and anxiety expert, told Hello!: “Constantly being in [a stress-response state] can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, chronic pain, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or insomnia – to name a few.
“Warding off disease and improving immunity will all contribute to living a full and healthy lifestyle.”
Fiona also said that gardening can help people to concentrate as they are required to take time on individual tasks. Gardeners need to focus on one thing without getting distracted.
She explained: “Gardening requires focusing on individual tasks at a time if you want to see a good result, so it can help us to practise concentration.
“Paying attention to a single activity, such as planting, watering, or pruning, can help you learn how to concentrate on what is in front of you without getting distracted.
“It’s also a great way to practise mindfulness and stay present in the moment as you take the time to put aside all other worries and enjoy the beauty around you.
“Practising mindfulness has a number of benefits, such as reduced rumination and decreased stress levels.”
Gardening activities such as weeding, lifting heavy pots, digging and raking are also great ways to work out physically and burn calories.
