You’ve likely heard that gardening is a great form of exercise – one hour is equivalent to roughly 35 minutes of jogging – but it also provides a mental workout. In fact, toiling in the soil can help you nurture some of the same traits needed to be successful in your recovery and long-term sobriety, including the three “Ps”: patience, persistence and planning. And you don’t need a green thumb or a big garden to reap the benefits.

Digging in the dirt is a great way to ditch a bad mood. This is because the harmless bacteria found in soil, called mycobacterium vaccae, is said to stimulate the production of the “feel-good” hormone serotonin. One study in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening leads to decreased cortisol levels and positive moods, which can “promote relief from acute stress.” Moreover, the rhythmic nature of weeding, hoeing, sowing, and sweeping, for instance, is great for quieting your mind and staying in the moment.

13 Physical and Mental Benefits of Gardening
Here are some more reasons to dig, de-stress and plant your way to a healthier you!

• You’ll eat more fruits and vegetables
• You’ll have higher levels of vitamin D
• You’ll have less stress and anxiety
• You’ll have higher self-esteem
• You’ll have improved immune response
• You’ll have less risk of bone loss
• You’ll have more sense of control
• You’ll have increased flexibility
• You’ll have greater feelings of reward
• You’ll have better mental clarity
• You’ll have a greater sense of responsibility
• You’ll be less insular
• You’ll be more aware of your senses

Begin Holistic Healing Today
Seabrook is proud to provide a long list of complimentary therapies, wellness programs and recreational activities that help clients pursue improved wellness during active rehab. To learn more, call us today: 856-455-7575.