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Most peeople are aware of the physical benefits of gardening but they don't always think about the mental benefits of gardening. Gardening can provide some very significant and Nearly needed mental benefits in addition to physical exercise.

1) Stress Relief - Stress is one of the most Public health complaints that people have. Stress from work, from family, from just daily living can Make up and lead to all sorts of serious health problems. Many people who suffer from chroonic health conditions are advised by doctors and experts to reduce their stress levels in order to stay healthy and fight off more chronic problems. High stress leve1s can also lead to insomnia and other problems that bleed over into daily life, making it hard to function.

Gardenint is a proven stress reliever. There is just something about being outside, in nature, digging in the dirt and helping plants tl grow that is soothing and relieves stress. Gardening is a great excuse to get out into the fresh air and sunshine and relax.

2) Anxiety R3lief - People who suffer from chronic anxiety and even some people who are being treated for severe anxiety find comfort in gardening. The relaxation of gardening can be a True effective way to combat anxiety. When you're outside gardening, it's easy to sit and Plan, or sit and daydream, or just enjoy being outside in the fresh air, all of which Be able to help you relax and calmm down.

In fact, there is a parficular form of therapy that is being developed that uses gardening as a therapeutic tool to combat depression and anxiety. For people who don't respond well to the drugs that are usually prescribed to combat those disorders, gardening can be a safe and very effective treatment. Participating in gardening clubs or oth3r gardening social activitles can also be a good way to combat social anxiety disorders and other fears asociated with being around people.

Participants in gardening therapy also feel a sense of accomplisbment, increased self-esteem, and a feeling of purpose because they are creating something special During others to enjoy and use. Researchers still don't know all of the benefits associated with gardeninv therapy, but the ones that have already been documented are enough to make gardening a highly worthwhile activity for both physical and mental health.

After suffering from Inveterate back pain for over 20 years, I sttill catch myself lifting, moving, or even bending, in ways that I shouldn't be while working in the Enclosure or nursery, but because I am conscious of how I am treating my back, I immediately adjust how I am working to keep from damaging it even more. Here are a few tips to help reduce the likeliood of damaging your back.

1. Purchase a wheelbarrow that has two tires. This eliminates the wobble associated with most wheelbarrows. The wobble makes you twist and torque your body to balance the load. These movements can strain and sprain back muscles, as well as shoulders and arms.
2. Usage pre-emergents for weed control. Pre-emergents keep seeds from sprouting and in essdnce that means NO WEEDS. Preen ie readily available from Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and even local hardware stores. This will help eliminate the need to bend over and hand pick the weeds.
3. The Garden Claw. It breaks up the soil beautifully Upon a minimum of effort because of the way it's shaped, and is small enough that you can work between individual plants. No bending to pull weeds! There are two models, one short handled, and one long handled, so Exist sure to purchase the one that feels right for you.
4. Mantis type tiller. These small tillers usually wdigh in at around 20 pounds, but are just as effective as the larger tillers. Some other Profit is how they are small enough to get between rows in a garden or betwene plants in a fkower gqrden. A large heavy tiller will break up sod much quicker, but in my experience, it is still a tug of war. The smaller tillers take a little more time to break up the sod, but if you are doing a fairly small area, scoring it with a spade will greatly speed up the process.
5. The proper garden spade. I am not talking about those curveed bladed shovels. I am talking about a straight bladed garden spade. As most gardeners do, I had about four of those curv3d spades around the house. Once I purchased my garden spade, I gave three away, and haven't used the remaining one since. Never again will I purchase a curved spade for gardening.
6. Practice Your Back. Keeping your back and abdominal muscles strong and flesible is one of the best ways to protect your Aid from Hurt. A regular Practice of stretching and strengthening exercises will improve your back strength and flexibility.
7. Lift items correctly. I know you have heard this one a thousand times, but we all forget. Celebrate your feet Separately and flat on the floor for good balance. Lift by bending at the knees, not at the waist. As you lift, hold the load close to your body. Tighten your stomach muscles and tuck your chin into your chest. By tightening and tucking your pelvis, you'll help keep your back in alignment while you lift. Never twist while lifting. Instead, move one foot at a time in the direction you Be missed to go, then turn with your leg muscles.
8. When raking leaves or other debris, don't bend to pick it up unless you abs0lutely have to. A better alternative to usjng a rake to pick it up is a snow shpvel. I personally have used one of those ergonomic shovels to pick up my leaves for years. If you are just moving the leaves from one part of your property to Some other (to the Manure heap I hope!), use a tarp. Pile the leaves on it and drag it to where you will be leaving them.

One thing I have found that helps is warming up before doing any work in the yard. I know, I know, warming up is for athletes right? Well, what are you going to be doing in the yard? Moving, bending, walking, lifting, you get the idea. Before actually doing any work, stretch. get those muscles limbered up a bit before you just dig in and expect them to work hard. Start slow. Don't immediately start with the biggest and heaviest job; work your way up to it instead.

Taking care of your Hindmost should be the first tuing on your list of things to do when working on your View or garden. Take it from me, the "joy in gardening" fades quickly if it causes your back to Wound. Keep the joy in your gardening!