The sweeping sky reflected in a small Spring puddle collected in a hole in the asphalt. For a moment, it held the heavens, and the ordinary became extraordinary. Enchanting nature was again beckoning us outdoors into her captivating and therapeutic realm.
Spending time in green spaces has been proven to be beneficial to our overall health and well-being, but did you know gardening has its own benefits? Let’s take a look!
Exercise & Vitamin D
Gardening provides both anaerobic and aerobic exercise. An hour of gardening can burn up to 300 calories, and best of all, it’s free! Additionally, Vitamin D is primarily acquired through sun light, so soak it up!
Decreases Stress Levels
Gardening has been known to boost moods while decreasing stress levels. It has also been shown to decrease depression.
Boosts Your Immune System
Friendly soil bacteria, whether inhaled or ingested, has been found to alleviate allergies and asthma while decreasing anxiety, which also helps foster a healthy immune system.
Provides Healthy/Whole Foods
You’ll know exactly what’s in your food when you grow and harvest it yourself!
Provides a Creative Outlet
Gardening is a wonderful way to express yourself. Try something new each season. You are only limited by your imagination!
Enhances Emotional/Spiritual Well Being
Gardens can serve as tranquil retreats. Many find the act of gardening to be therapeutic. It can also help boost self-esteem and confidence.
Challenges Your Brain
In addition to exercising the body, gardening can help keep your brain nimble. Learn how to garden through trial and error, keep a journal, pick up a book, and feed your brain.
Gardens are a feast for the senses, and their aesthetic appeal is undeniable. You needn’t a large space, or a ton of money – just the drive to reconnect with nature, and in doing so, your health and well being will benefit as well. Reach out to Sweeney’s, and we’ll help get you started! We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
Sunjoy® Citrus Barberry
Neat, uniformly rounded shrub with bright citrus-colored yellow foliage makes an excellent, low maintenance hedge or specimen plant. Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 24-36″ tall and 24-36″ wide. Deer resistant.
“In the garden I tend to drop my thoughts here and there. To the flowers I whisper the secrets I keep and the hopes I breathe. I know they are there to eavesdrop for the angels.”
~Dodinsky
Well wishes,
Kim Sweeney
The health benefits are becoming more and more apparent. Many health care facilities now require “green space” for rehabilitation. Get out into the garden and experience the magic of your own “green space”, I think you will find it has a tendency to really “grow” on you.