According to the National Gardening Survey conducted by the National Gardening Association, over 77 million American households participated in some form of gardening in 2020. This staggering number highlights the significant interest and participation in this fulfilling activity.
Gardening is not only a popular activity but also deeply rooted in the history and culture of the United States. With its wide-ranging benefits and therapeutic qualities, no wonder gardening has captured the hearts of millions of Americans.
Tending to plants, nurturing a garden, and connecting with nature have been deeply ingrained in human history. Gardening offers numerous health benefits and is another reason why it has become a beloved activity for people of all ages. From physical exercise to stress reduction and the satisfaction of growing your food, gardening is a transformative practice for enhancing our overall health and vitality.
Physical Health
Engaging in gardening provides many physical benefits contributing to a healthier lifestyle. Here are some of the ways gardening positively impacts your physical well-being:
• Physical Exercise: Gardening involves various physical tasks, such as digging, planting, weeding, walking, squatting, and watering. These activities provide moderate-intensity exercise, helping to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
• Sunlight and Vitamin D: Spending time outdoors in the garden exposes you to sunlight, crucial for vitamin D synthesis. Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
• Improved Hand Strength & Dexterity: Tasks like pruning, potting, and harvesting require fine motor skills and hand strength, which can help you maintain dexterity and prevent age-related decline.
• Stress Reduction: Engaging in gardening has been shown to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Being surrounded by nature and engaging with plants has a calming effect on the mind and body.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Gardening goes beyond physical health and profoundly impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Here are several ways in which gardening contributes to your psychological health:
• Stress Management and Relaxation: Gardening serves as a natural means to cope with stress, allowing you to escape from the demands of daily life. Nurturing plants and observing their growth can be immensely therapeutic, promoting relaxation and a sense of tranquility.
• Mood Enhancement: Gardening has been linked to increased serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter known for promoting a positive mood. The satisfaction of seeing plants thrive and bloom boosts our mood and provides a sense of accomplishment.
• Cognitive Stimulation: Gardening tasks require problem-solving, decision-making, and attention to detail. These activities stimulate your brain, promoting cognitive function and memory retention.
Nutritional Benefits
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a garden provides nutritional benefits that contribute to a healthier diet:
• Access to Fresh, Organic Produce: Growing your own food ensures access to fresh, organic produce rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This allows for a healthier and more diverse diet, reducing reliance on processed foods.
• Increased Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables: Gardeners are more likely to consume larger quantities of fruits and vegetables. The availability of homegrown produce encourages healthier food choices and a higher intake of fiber-rich, plant-based foods.
• Appreciation for Seasonal Eating: Gardening promotes an understanding of seasonal produce and encourages eating locally and in harmony with nature’s cycles. This appreciation for seasonal eating supports environmental sustainability and maximizes the nutritional value of your food.
Shared Experiences & Building Community
Gardening with others can provide many social benefits that enhance your relationships and sense of belonging.
Gardening can also provide a platform for intergenerational connections, where knowledge and skills are passed down from experienced gardeners to younger generations, fostering a sense of continuity and tradition.
• Family Bonding: Gardening with your family members can be a fun and rewarding way to spend quality time together. You can share your knowledge, skills, and interests and teach your children or grandchildren about nature, responsibility, and healthy eating.
• Friendship and Support: Gardening with friends or joining a gardening club or community garden can help you meet new people who share your passion for plants. You can exchange tips, advice, and seeds, plus support each other in your gardening endeavors.
• Community Engagement: Participating in community gardening projects can help you contribute to a common goal and positively impact your neighborhood. You can also interact with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages, expanding your connections to your community.
When gardening, even the simplest task can positively impact your mind, body, and soul. So, if you want to reap these benefits, now’s the time to get your hands in the dirt.
Whether you have a small balcony, a backyard, or access to a community garden, consider gardening as a transformative and enriching activity that will contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life. There’s nothing better than growing your food or flowers with pride – who knows what kind of nature magician you might become in the process.
Nutritional Support for Your Nerves Makes All the Difference
After spending the day in the garden, are occasional tingling, numbness, burning, and the feeling of pins and needles – especially in your hands, fingers, and feet keeping you up at night?
Are these feelings killing your passion for gardening and disrupting your quality of life?
You’re not alone. Over 20 million people in the US experience these issues related to their sensitive nerve endings.
Well, here’s some good news…
Studies show that certain nutrients and antioxidants such as the B vitamins, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), and Acetyl l-Carnitine support healthy nerve function and help soothe your occasional nerve-related discomfort.*
Dynamic Nerve™ is a potent antioxidant blend that includes 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid and 100 mg of Acetyl l-Carnitine to support your cellular energy and soothe all those uncomfortable sensations. *
Plus, its high-dose vitamin B complex helps maintain healthy nerve cells and the myelin sheath that surrounds your nerve cells.*
Dynamic Nerve supports healthy nerve function, giving you feelings of comfort and control in your feet, hands, and fingers.*
With its proprietary blend of ingredients shown to support nerve health, Dynamic Nerve nourishes your nerve cells – helping you maintain control and live life to the fullest.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.