Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Healthy, Happy Gardening

All of us gardeners know we feel better just digging around in our gardens. Just the action of pulling weeds or transplanting can leave you with your spirits lifted. With the expansion of community gardening, approximately 115 million people now have access to gardening. And that is a good thing!

Research has found that gardening has a wide range of health benefits, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and body mass index. There are a wide variety of gardening implements on the market to aid gardeners who need a little help. From kneepads and portable benches to large handle tools to help anyone get out to the garden. 

Gardening improves mood and life satisfaction. It increases the quality of life, vigor, and psychological wellbeing. The effect is now known to actually come from the soil. The microbe is called mycobacterium vacaee, and it stimulates serotonin production. It can be ingested through small cuts in the skin or simply inhaled while digging.

As you know, low serotonin levels can cause many problems like depression and anxiety, even OCD. Higher levels make you relaxed and happy. Now we know why we feel so good after a gardening session. Everyone from kids to the elderly can get out and do some digging and raise those spirits!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO