Level 1 of lockdown is here and we need to let go of the TV remote control. Hear us? It’s time to put it down, get off the sofa, and go outside. If you think about it, it’s kind of crazy how much screen time we’ve become used to indulging in as a result of the pandemic.
Look, no one’s suggesting that you embark on a major outdoor excursion, like running 50kms or hiking up a great big mountain. We’re just talking about getting out into your garden, because it turns out that the act of gardening could help you fight the fatigue and stress that 2020 has unleashed on us all.
Here are some simple reasons why you should get better acquainted with your spade and watering can.
Soil is a natural mood-booster
Soil contains a type of bacteria called M. vaccae which can activate serotonin-releasing neurons in your brain when you inhale it. Serotonin, as you may have heard, contributes to our inner wellbeing and happiness. And it’s really easy to get your fix, because you don’t have to get your nose properly stuck into the soil. All it takes is a stroll out into your garden to trigger the release of all those happy chemicals in your brain.
You could wind up feeling happier in minutes, so go on and give it a try.
Getting outside exposes you to more vitamin D
Research reveals that if you have enough vitamin D in your system, it could reduce your risk of osteoporosis, cancer, depression, and muscle weakness. The general medical advice is to go outside into your garden for around 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week in order to keep your vitamin D levels up.
Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
Gardening helps you meditate
The act of tending to your pots, weeding your lawn, watering your herb trays, and keeping your flower beds clean is wonderfully peaceful. Because the tasks are simple and repetitive it gives you a break from the unrelenting attention that work and the demands of life bring.
Give your garden a going over and be more present in your daily life.
Gardening is a good form of exercise
Exercise is another common way to release endorphins and banish the blues. You could actually burn as much as 330 calories with an hour of trimming, watering, and weeding. Turns out that even light gardening work falls somewhere between walking and jogging, so there’s no need to become an avid landscaper.
Your garden will look better for any amount of work you put into it and you’ll feel better, too. That’s a classic win-win, if ever there was 1. Of course, gardening tools are essential to the process so we’d recommend treating yourself to some proper shears, gloves, and that kind of thing.
The problem is that these items are some of the most commonly stolen and damaged home contents. It’s better to give your insurer a ring to make sure that these items are covered under your home contents insurance policy. If your policy doesn’t cover your garden equipment or you don’t have affordable insurance, then take a moment to click here to get a quick quote for a policy that’s super cheap and includes gardening bits and bobs.
Posted in partnership with King Price Insurance
