People who have learned to till the soil and grow produce understand the fulfillment of gardening. But to those who have yet to experience this, there are many different reasons for having garden rooms and managing them. All of these contribute to your health, well-being, and even the community you’re in. Here are the five benefits you can get when you learn to manage your garden and develop your green thumb:
1. Engages You in Physical Activity
Gardening takes physical effort. You stoop and bend a lot while carrying and reaching for tools to do your work. Still, it’s not as arduous as other activities such as hiking or working out in the gym. Performing these movements also promotes mobility and strength in the long run. At a certain age, the number of sports and physical activities you can do can become limited. Taking care of houseplants isn’t one of them since it’s friendly to all ages, including the elderly.
2. Calms Your Mind
Anxiety and stress can be debilitating. Blood pressure and glucose increase when cortisol or the “stress hormone” spikes, which then causes you to get stressed out. But people with a green thumb know how calming gardening is. Houseplants are stress-relievers in different ways. The beauty of greenery helps reduce negativity. And like meditation, taking care of your garden lets you focus on the task at hand.
3. Improves Work Habits
Today, there are a lot of distractions that can stunt productivity. But recent studies show that plants can improve energy, focus, and overall learning capabilities. Simply exposing yourself to nature can already lift your spirit. Some studies indicate how children with attention-deficit disorder (ADD) can be soothed by engaging with nature. This is why gardening is also ideal for professionals and students who want to develop better working habits.
4. Promotes a Healthier Diet
Having a garden means growing your produce. People with a green thumb understand that certain products aren’t as healthy as they seem, especially if you don’t know their origins. But when you have a garden, you know exactly where they come from. On top of this, you get to manage what you want to grow and consume an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. For families, this is also an excellent opportunity to teach your children to eat healthier at an early age.
5. Makes You Understand the Environment
Houseplants can protect you from toxins in your home. These can enter your vicinity without you ever knowing. But garden rooms can prevent this problem from escalating. Plants also act as natural humidifiers for your place, which can prevent common colds and other illnesses from occurring. Developing your green thumb, in other words, makes you more aware of your environment and how it affects you.
The Sense of Responsibility of Having a Greenthumb
Gardening requires patience since there’s a lot of waiting involved. But once you begin to reap your produce, the fulfillment is worth it. This develops your sense of responsibility in taking care of something. You begin to understand much you can contribute to others, such as your family and community, and yourself.