Gardening – Growing health and wellbeing

January is a time when wellness and health goals are at the top of the list for many of us. The garden is the perfect place to start. There are many ways to improve your health, fitness, and overall wellbeing in your garden, and you don’t have to have a green thumb to reap the benefits. My New Year intentions are to have a better work life balance, eat more vegetables (preferably grown by me) and spend more time in nature. So, grab your gardening tools, embrace the sunshine, and let the garden become your sanctuary for a healthier, happier year.

• Get physical: Tending a garden can be a full-body workout disguised as leisure. Bending and stretching, carrying soil and pots, digging, planting, weeding, pruning, and watering, all engage muscle groups promoting flexibility and strength, helping maintain a healthy weight, and improving cardiovascular fitness. Gardening in summer also allows the synthesis of vitamin D. This crucial nutrient is known for its role in bone health, immune system function, and is a great mood regulator. Always balance sun exposure with good protection, such as sunscreen and appropriate clothing, to prevent skin damage.
• Mindful gardening: Gardening has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mental health. The calming effects of nature, coupled with the rhythmic tasks of gardening, can create a mindful escape from the pressures of everyday life, allowing you to focus on the present moment, quiet the mind, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. For those grappling with anxiety or depression, the garden can serve as a therapeutic retreat. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces and natural environments can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. These benefits are now well understood, and healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating gardening into rehabilitation programmes, mental health support initiatives, and community outreach projects. Whether it’s a balcony garden or a sprawling backyard oasis, working among plants provides a therapeutic outlet.
• Keep it fresh: Our climate is ideal for growing a variety of fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Home-grown produce is not only richer in essential nutrients but also free from pesticides and preservatives.
• Planet first: Sustainable practices in gardening are becoming increasingly important. An eco-friendly approach, including rainwater harvesting, composting, worm farming, eating the food you grow and limiting food waste makes a contribution to a better environment. By choosing native plants, you can support conservation efforts, promote biodiversity, and provide corridors for wildlife. This is especially important with all the construction going on around the Coast, at the moment, which is taking out the trees and green spaces that wildlife inhabit. Check out Sustainable Ōrewa www.facebook.com/Sustainableorewa for local sustainable projects.
• Social connections: Beyond the boundaries of our own gardens, we can share and connect with others in a community garden. Community gardens also promote sustainability and environmental awareness. To connect to the broader ecosystem you may want to take part in local restoration projects or join a local group such as Hibiscus Coast Forest and Bird (www.forestandbird.org.nz/branches/hibiscus-coast).