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With temperatures warming up across southern Connecticut, residents are looking for ways to spend more time outside. One outdoor activity you should try this season is gardening. Not only is it constructive and relaxing, it’s good for you!

Here are seven ways gardening can improve your physical and mental health:

1. It relieves stress. Many find gardening to be a great form of mental therapy. The warm sun on your skin, fresh breeze in your hair, and pleasant scents of nature are sure to bring peace and tranquility into your life.

2. It improves heart health. Gardening offers many of the same health benefits as running on a treadmill – only it’s actually enjoyable. Those who garden every day were found to have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. It boosts your immune system. Exposure to sunlight naturally kickstarts your body’s vitamin D production, which is essential for your immune system. Nutrients found in soil can further improve immune health.

4. It reduces risk of Alzheimer’s. Much is still unknown about Alzheimer’s, but it is clear that regular gardening can help ward off the disease. In some studies, it was found to reduce your risk by up to 50%!

5. It burns calories. Gardening is exercise. Between all of the digging, raking, planting, pruning, and weeding, you can expect to burn up to 330 calories per hour.

6. It improves hand dexterity. As we age, it is common to lose strength and dexterity in our hands, which limits the daily activities we can perform. Actively gardening can keep your hands strong and nimble, provided you don’t overdo it.

7. It can encourage a healthy diet. Having trouble eating enough vegetables? Getting your daily dose is much easier when you grow your own!

Orthopaedic Specialty Group is southern Connecticut’s largest and most experienced orthopedic practice. From your neck to your toes, and everything in between, you can count on our team of expert doctors to fix virtually every bone and joint in your body. Request an appointment online, or call (203) 337-2600.