I have just come back from a swim camp in Majorca, to a garden in full bloom, and neighbours outside late in the evening. What a fab sight.
Since moving to west Cork, I have become so much more aware of the seasons and I love seeing people out cutting, tidying, mowing, lifting and a whole lot more. This is real-world health in action. Gardening is one of the most effective, simplest and enjoyable ways to strengthen your body and stay young. It ticks every single box for health:
1. Strength.2. Flexibility.3. Balance.4. Mindfulness.5. Coordination.6. Cognitive.Best of all, it is a workout in disguise. Unlike going to a gym or a class, it is like housework in the way you forget you are actually exercising. If you’re reading this and your garden is in need of some TLC as well as your body, this is your sign to start.
Start small. Start minuscule. Just start. Remember, to age better and maintain your muscle mass, it is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. So why not start using your body to get out in the garden and stay strong?
Karl Henry says mowing straight lines on the grass is one of the most mindful tasks of his week.
Not only is gardening amazing for your body, the simple act of being around trees, plants, grass and nature is incredibly beneficial for every aspect of your health.
Also known as ‘green zoning’ or ‘forest bathing’, there is more and more research to show that simply being out near nature will help to lower your cortisol and your stress, and improve your mood, your sleep, your gut health and lots more. Even looking at nature from inside your house can produce these benefits too. Green zoning is simply incredible for your health and wellness and it is right in the front garden.
Let’s take a look at how gardening actually helps you stay young:
You will be stronger: lifting plants, pots, soil and cuttings is helping you to maintain your muscle mass. We lose muscle as we age. All of these gardening tasks are helping you use your muscles.
Using a wheel barrow? Even better. Even putting plants and pots into your car from the garden centre is strength training.
You will have better balance: we know from last week how important balance is and gardening will help you work the muscles that impact your balance. Getting up and down off the ground will transform your balance very quickly too.
Having an interest: we know that having a purpose is essential for healthy living. We all need a hobby, to keep us interested and mentally challenged and what better way than in the garden.
Researching, reading, learning and chatting about all that is in your garden will improve your memory and your mental sharpness.
Mindfulness: very much on trend, mindfulness is very simply being focused and concentrating on something that helps you to relax and unwind and take a break from the busyness of the world. A simple task that requires little thought.
For me, sitting on my ride-on, mowing straight lines on the grass is one of the most mindful tasks of my week, a place of sheer happiness where I zone out of work and the stresses of that day and week.
Sensory health: seeing, touching and feeling all that is in the garden is good for your senses and your nervous system. In a world of constant alertness, it helps you to reset your senses and neurological health
Sleep health: all of the above points will lead to improving your sleep health. You will sleep deeper, feel more rested and more relaxed as a result of spending time in the garden.
So hopefully I have inspired you to get outside, get moving and get gardening or mowing and digging. Off to the garden centre with you!
Karl Henry walking in the garden and enjoying the benefits of nature.
Next week: Some great ways to measure your wellness.
Watch Karl's video below:
I have just come back from a swim camp in Majorca, to a garden in full bloom, and neighbours outside late in the evening. What a fab sight.
Since moving to west Cork, I have become so much more aware of the seasons and I love seeing people out cutting, tidying, mowing, lifting and a whole lot more. This is real-world health in action. Gardening is one of the most effective, simplest and enjoyable ways to strengthen your body and stay young. It ticks every single box for health:
1. Strength.2. Flexibility.3. Balance.4. Mindfulness.5. Coordination.6. Cognitive.Best of all, it is a workout in disguise. Unlike going to a gym or a class, it is like housework in the way you forget you are actually exercising. If you’re reading this and your garden is in need of some TLC as well as your body, this is your sign to start.
Start small. Start minuscule. Just start. Remember, to age better and maintain your muscle mass, it is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. So why not start using your body to get out in the garden and stay strong?
Karl Henry says mowing straight lines on the grass is one of the most mindful tasks of his week.
Not only is gardening amazing for your body, the simple act of being around trees, plants, grass and nature is incredibly beneficial for every aspect of your health.
Also known as ‘green zoning’ or ‘forest bathing’, there is more and more research to show that simply being out near nature will help to lower your cortisol and your stress, and improve your mood, your sleep, your gut health and lots more. Even looking at nature from inside your house can produce these benefits too. Green zoning is simply incredible for your health and wellness and it is right in the front garden.
Let’s take a look at how gardening actually helps you stay young:
You will be stronger: lifting plants, pots, soil and cuttings is helping you to maintain your muscle mass. We lose muscle as we age. All of these gardening tasks are helping you use your muscles.
Using a wheel barrow? Even better. Even putting plants and pots into your car from the garden centre is strength training.
You will have better balance: we know from last week how important balance is and gardening will help you work the muscles that impact your balance. Getting up and down off the ground will transform your balance very quickly too.
Having an interest: we know that having a purpose is essential for healthy living. We all need a hobby, to keep us interested and mentally challenged and what better way than in the garden.
Researching, reading, learning and chatting about all that is in your garden will improve your memory and your mental sharpness.
Mindfulness: very much on trend, mindfulness is very simply being focused and concentrating on something that helps you to relax and unwind and take a break from the busyness of the world. A simple task that requires little thought.
For me, sitting on my ride-on, mowing straight lines on the grass is one of the most mindful tasks of my week, a place of sheer happiness where I zone out of work and the stresses of that day and week.
Sensory health: seeing, touching and feeling all that is in the garden is good for your senses and your nervous system. In a world of constant alertness, it helps you to reset your senses and neurological health
Sleep health: all of the above points will lead to improving your sleep health. You will sleep deeper, feel more rested and more relaxed as a result of spending time in the garden.
So hopefully I have inspired you to get outside, get moving and get gardening or mowing and digging. Off to the garden centre with you!
Karl Henry walking in the garden and enjoying the benefits of nature.
Next week: Some great ways to measure your wellness.
Watch Karl's video below:
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