Written by Anne Praino, Account Manager, Corporate Benefits
Ah, June — when the days get longer, the sun shines brighter and your neighbor’s tomatoes suddenly make you feel deeply inadequate about your gardening skills. But don’t worry, this month isn’t about competition. It’s about wellness, joy and dirt under your fingernails. Yes, we’re talking about gardening — nature’s original therapy session and gym membership all rolled into one. Gardening is a full-body, brain-boosting, soul-soothing workout disguised as a hobby, and this month we’re digging into the powerful benefits of gardening. June 6 is National Gardening Exercise Day, a reminder that yard work and planting are legitimate forms of physical activity. Squatting to pull weeds? That’s leg day. Hauling bags of compost? That’s your core and arms. Working in the sun? Welcome to the gardening sauna. (National Gardening Exercise Day, n.d.)
Gardening might look peaceful from the outside, but don’t be fooled — it’s a full-body, functional workout in disguise. All that bending, digging, lifting and walking engages multiple muscle groups and mimics the kind of movement you’d do in a gym. Weeding has you squatting and lunging, lifting bags of mulch works your arms and core, and pushing a mower or raking leaves is practically cardio. In fact, depending on the intensity, gardening can burn just as many calories as a traditional workout. If you’re not used to these types of physical activities, don’t be surprised if you wake up a little sore after a day in the dirt. Beyond building strength and endurance, gardening can also improve your balance and flexibility, thanks to all the stretching, reaching and maneuvering around plants. (Wimmer, 2022)
Spending time in green spaces has also been shown to lower cortisol levels – the body’s primary stress hormone – and lift your mood in the process. Something about being outside, surrounded by plants and fresh air, that helps you feel a little more grounded and a lot less frazzled. In our screen-heavy, always-on world, many of us spend so much time indoors working, scrolling and streaming, and that quiet longing to reconnect with nature often goes unmet. While not everyone has the time or energy to escape for a weekend camping trip or a long hike through the woods, you don’t have to go far to find that sense of peace. Having a garden or even a few potted plants on a small balcony can offer a daily dose of nature that’s right outside your back door. Tending to plants encourages mindfulness, calm and a feeling of purpose. That little patch of green becomes more than just a hobby; it turns into a space for reflection, meditation and relief. It’s a simple but powerful way to make your home feel like a true haven from the chaos of everyday life. (Elizabeth Scott, 2020)
Gardening isn’t just good for your body — it’s great for your brain, too. Caring for plants taps into your problem-solving skills, boosts your memory and sparks creativity. Whether you’re figuring out why your basil is drooping or planning the perfect layout for your veggie patch, your brain is constantly at work. In fact, gardening has been shown to literally sharpen your mind. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that just 20 minutes of gardening significantly increased brain nerve growth factors — chemicals crucial for memory and cognitive function. It’s no surprise when you think about it — gardening requires focus, attention to detail and the ability to remember what you planted, where you planted it and whether or not you already watered it this morning. On top of that, being outside in the sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which supports both cognitive function and mood regulation. (Salamon, 2023)
This month, join us for our NFP’s June in Bloom Gardening Challenge. Spend at least 20 minutes gardening or tending to plants three times a week through the end of June. Choose one edible plant – like basil, tomatoes or lettuce – and grow it from seed or starter to harvest. By June 30, take a few minutes to reflect on how this time outdoors has impacted your mood, energy and overall wellness. You might be surprised by the sense of clarity and calm that can come from such a simple routine. Gardening reminds us that growth – whether in plants or in ourselves – takes time, patience and care. So this month, step outside (don’t forget your sunscreen), get your hands in the soil, and see what can flourish when you give something a little attention and space to grow.
References
- National Gardening Exercise Day. (n.d.).
- Wimmer, L. (2022, July 12). Dig into the benefits of gardening.
- Elizabeth Scott, P. (2020, November 23). How to Use Gardening for Stress Relief.
- Salamon, M. (2023, June). Sowing the seeds of better health.
