Green Fingers = Clear Mind

Embracing green-fingered tasks can bring clarity to the mind and contribute to emotional well-being. Here are just a few benefits to getting green-fingered…

NorthernLife’s top health benefits from gardening:

Helps keep depression at bay

Research shows that getting your hands in the soil keeps depression at bay. Making contact with the earth, and a specific bacteria in the soil called Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine in the body, boosting our immunity and raising our spirits.

Powerfully rewarding

There’s nothing better than feeling the power of nature around us. The joy of watching seedlings grow is nothing short of miraculous. Plant tomatoes, basil, strawberries, and sunflowers, which can provide a rewarding experience and a connection with nature.

The joy of watching seedlings grow is nothing short of miraculous.

Zzzzzzz

A strong link exists between low mood and insomnia. An afternoon’s gardening can help promote a good night’s sleep. Raking, digging, chopping, and mowing are all superb forms of exercise that will tire out our muscles, relax our brains, and help us to sleep at night.

Stimulate your senses

Being in the garden is a wonderful way to stimulate our senses – all of them! We can smell the beautiful fragrances of fruits, vegetables, and flowers; touch the many different textures of the plants around us; and taste the delicious and natural foods we grow.

Go barefoot

Many studies have been conducted on the advantages of walking barefoot in the garden. Research has also shown that walking barefoot can regulate stress responses and boost immunity. Consider designing a garden with soft grasses and ground covers like thyme or chamomile to provide a comfortable space for barefoot walks.

Switch off 

Designing a seating area for quiet time in the garden. Create a tranquil garden retreat with plants like ferns, hostas, and Japanese maple trees to offer a calm and peaceful environment for relaxation.

Improves self-esteem

Studies have shown that gardening offers improvements in both self-esteem and mood. Consider growing beautiful and challenging plants like orchids, roses, and exotic houseplants to boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Social

Gardens can also be superb places for social interaction. To transform your garden into a welcoming social space, consider planting communal vegetables like peppers, and courgettes and vibrant flowers like sunflowers, marigolds, and cosmos. To transform your garden into a welcoming social space, consider planting communal vegetables…

Homegrown food is good for our health and well-being

Growing organic fruit and vegetables will boost your physical and mental health. We can’t separate our mental and physical well-being; these two are completely intertwined. Eating healthily will benefit us. Growing organic fruits and vegetables such as kale, spinach, and tomatoes for fresh and nutritious produce.

NorthernLife Jul/Aug 2023