It Looks Like Gardening Time Again
By Tom Herrin
Certain things seem to trigger our senses. We know in winter we need to begin to prepare to stay warm. In summer, we set up for the heat and related outdoor celebrations. In the spring of each year, we begin to see a lot more green. The weather is suddenly warm. Our thoughts naturally go to some of the things we can do outside. Spring gardens are pretty high on the list. Whether it is for food or beauty, they are worthwhile activities. There has been a longstanding relationship between gardening and better health.
Improve Mental and Emotional Health
I had someone once tell me that in order to get the full effects of gardening, you needed to have a chair out there by your garden. You had to spend some time just appreciating what was there. Many people believe that the reward for taking care of something and seeing it grow and develop can be fulfilling. It can give the individual a feeling much like that of raising children with a successful outcome. The nature of planting and harvesting itself is rewarding. It can provide a feeling of having some control over the natural sequence of events that are involved.
There Is A Certain Amount of Happiness Involved
Most people notice the good feeling they get when they go outside on a nice day. The connection with nature is uplifting and internally warming. It is a feel-good mechanism that cannot be denied. Apparently there are hormones that are released in the process of being a part of the outdoors. It also has the common effect of allowing us to work until we are tired but enjoying a feeling of accomplishment. This is the kind of exhaustion that is followed by good sleep.
Many of Our Worries Go Away
We all spend some time worrying about things we simply can’t control. Gardening seems to have the ability to help us focus on the moment. We take our minds off of those things that may or may not happen. Appreciating what happens in the present can give us a certain fulfillment. One more thing to remember is that gardening can be done on whatever level you desire. There is no reason to go overboard. You can start with something the size of a shoe box. It is well worth giving it a try because it really is that time of year.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.