WHAT DO EXERCISE, GOOD NUTRITION, AND A HEALTHY MIND HAVE IN COMMON? THEY CAN ALL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH GARDENING; ESPECIALLY IF YOU EAT THE FOOD YOU GROW.
GOOD FOR THE BODY
You may not look at pruning shears as exercise equipment, but gardening certainly does get the blood pumping. In fact, I see it as a calorie burning session of fun, without the duty of repetitions. You can achieve some of the same movements in your garden that you might do in a gym setting. Squatting, bending, twisting, reaching, are all common movements required for gardening. You can burn up to 400 calories per hour from general gardening.
GOOD FOR THE MIND
Not only can you burn some major calories, but gardening is an exceptional activity for the mind. Digging in the dirt can provide a much needed break from technological gadgets, which humans have a finite attention span for. Your mind can easily become engaged and disconnect from worries, as you strategically pull weeds and perfect your pansies. What is more, a little fresh air and sunshine is good for the soul. In fact, experts claim gardening helps alleviate depression symptoms, and some are using it as a subscribed treatment for their patients.