You may be dreading spring green up due to the increase in yard work, or you may be looking forward to getting outside more often. Either way, it is motivating to know that there are surprising health benefits of yard work.
1. Lessened stress: When you exercise, you release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, especially with vigorous yard work like raking or pulling weeds. You are also in the peacefulness of the outdoors, which has the meditative effect of mindfulness. Spend a bit of time outdoors doing yard work each day, and you are likely to have less worry in your life.
2. Increased happiness: Of course, with decreased stress comes increased happiness, but exercise also releases serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that chemically increases mood, sleep levels, social behavior, and sexual desire. A good day of yard work will leave a person with an improved outlook in life.
3. Improved hand strength: Over time, our hands lose some dexterity and strength, but yard work generally gives them a good workout. Therefore, pulling weeds and using hand tools around the yard will rebuild hand strength and ability.
4. Better sleep: The time you spend outside in daylight affects your natural rhythms and sleep patterns. This is called your circadian rhythm, and getting outside primes your body to stay away during daylight hours and fall asleep at night.
5. Cardiovascular health: An active life is a heart-healthy life, but some high-impact exercise can be injurious to someone who has not planned properly. This is why yard work is an excellent way to safely improve your cardio vascular health. You can do it at your own pace. Of course, if you have health concerns about yard work, you should get it okayed by your doctor first.
6. Core strength: Almost all yard work includes some amount of core workout. This is because it involves bending, pulling, and throwing…all core exercises. A healthy core leads to better skeletal health.
7. Increased vitamin D: Sunlight also improves the body’s vitamin D storage, which is essential for calcium absorption and strong bones. Healthy vitamin D intake has also been associated with cardiovascular health, immune health, and nervous system health.
So, whether you are looking forward to it or dreading it, you now know that getting outside and doing some yard work is actually good for your health!
Have questions about your lawn?
Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.
770-619-2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
