Gardening has long been a way for people to relax and create something beautiful around their home, but you may not realize the positive impact it can have on your mental health, as well. Working outside and following the steps involved in gardening can help keep your brain healthy and active--which is vital for seniors and may even play a role in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease--and it can also boost your mood and beat stress and anxiety.

Not only that, but having a garden where you can grow fresh veggies means you’ll be able to make healthier choices when it comes to what you and your family eat, because those options will be readily available. Eating well-balanced meals can help you feel better all around and might even help you lose weight, if that’s your goal.

Gardening is excellent exercise, too, because it works so many muscle groups in a way that isn’t harsh. You can move at your own pace and take breaks as often as you need to, which is why so many seniors rely on gardening to give them a daily workout.

Read on for more information on how gardening can affect your life in a positive way and how to get started with one of your own.

Get in shape

Gardening is a great way to get or stay in shape, because it allows you to customize your workout. For seniors or people who have health issues, this is a valuable way to stay healthy. When your body feels good, your brain will likely follow; many people who work in the garden find that being physically healthy helps them feel more confident and happy.

Relax

There’s something calming about working in the dirt under the sun, knowing what comes next as you plant seeds or do the weeding. For many people who work in an office all day or who never have the chance to be creative, gardening is the perfect solution and gives them an opportunity to ease anxiety or stress after a long day.

Get healthy

Often, working in a garden environment makes people much more aware of what they’re putting into their bodies. Having access to fresh fruits and veggies can help you make better meal choices and can give kids and teens a good head start on making good decisions in their lifetime. If you’re interested in growing edibles but aren’t sure where to start--or if your neighborhood has strict rules about the look of your yard--no worries; you can plant a few items that have beautiful flowers, so they blend in with the rest of your garden. Peas, beans, and pumpkins are great examples, and broccoli and radishes will flower after you harvest the vegetables themselves, leaving behind a lovely plant that will blend in with the rest of your landscaping.

It can help you be more social

Many seniors find that gardening with friends helps beat loneliness and gives them a fun way to spend an afternoon. In fact, some people even start gardening clubs, where they meet to give tips and share ideas for landscaping in the neighborhood. Being social helps in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and also in battling depression, which can have many physical side-effects.

Gardening can be a big job, even if you have a small plot, so always make sure you stay well hydrated and take breaks as often as you need to. Wear sunblock and a good hat to keep the sun off your face; move around often so you don’t get cramps in your legs, and lay down a mat or piece of foam to save your knees as you kneel. It can be a lot of work, but it can also help you feel better about yourself and stay active and vital.

If you’re planting a garden this season, make sure to stop by Wagner Nursery. We are your one-stop shop for all things landscaping, and we have a full-service garden center.