Yard work can be exhausting, despite the rewards it reaps. Plenty of individuals buy tools or upgrades to make their outdoorsy work easier, such as a gutter gaurd, while others turn to hiring services to do the work for them. For instance, googling ‘pest control near me’ can help you find a trustworthy service to deal with any wildlife issues. Gardening, however, is different from most outdoor work: typically, it’s viewed as a fun, relaxing hobby. However, gardening also has some pretty surprising, excellent health benefits that will make the hobby that much more rewarding. Keep reading to learn more:

1. Physical exercise

From pulling weeds to watering flowers, digging up soil to planting sprouts, it’s no secret that gardening requires a whole bunch of physical exercise. While the benefits of physical activity are extensive, the “low-effort” exercises that come with gardening can help increase the body’s flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. Gardening, then, can be a great alternative form of exercise for those who don’t enjoy working out at the gym or going on runs around the block.

2. Boosted immune system

Soil contains a diverse array of microbes that can help boost and strengthen the body’s immune system. The bacteria that gardeners are exposed to can be beneficial and supportive, helping to heighten healthy immune responses. So, while most people think dirt is just that—dirty—it actually comes with its own array of benefits for the human body, making gardening the perfect immune strengthening hobby.

3. Social connection

This one might be confusing based on title alone—perhaps even shocking. But hear us out: gardening can actually be really great for social connection. If you live in a close knit community, it’s very likely that you’ll foster deeper connections with neighbors over gardening. Plus, gardening groups exist, which are the perfect opportunity to get to know others and make new friends, especially if you’re new to the area. Of course, this social connection can do wonders for your emotional health, as well as strengthening your sense of community.

4. Improved sleep

We know what you might be thinking: how can a hobby like gardening possibly improve my sleep? Well, the time you spend outdoors while gardening, alongside the physical exercise that you engage in, can actually lead to better sleeping patterns. Regulating your sleep-wake cycles is made easier with natural light and physical activity, both of which come with the territory of picking up gardening as a hobby.

5. Better concentration and mindfulness

Do you get easily distracted? Well, gardening might be able to help with that, as it requires you to devote your attention to what’s happening before you, therefore encouraging mindfulness. Additionally, your focus on the activity at hand can help provide mental clarity by allowing you to step away from the stresses that you’re facing in your daily life, whether they be caused by money issues, family troubles, or otherwise.