Bitten by the gardening bug

Don’t be alarmed, but just recently I have been bitten by the ‘Gardening Bug’.  If you follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook you will have seen photographic evidence.  I am OK!  It’s true that I have had massive doses of natural Vitamin D, spent time in the great outdoors and nature which may have enhanced my mood, done physical activity that may have burned some calories, and am now suffering some very sore muscles, but I am resilient.  I will bounce back – eventually!

Most people get bitten by the gardening bug in Spring.  Not me!  I always have to be different.  I get the gardening bug in Autumn.  I enjoy gardening and watering, looking out on a pretty garden and all that stuff, but summers are far too hot and humid in Brisbane for me to cope with gardening, apart from some watering in an attempt to keep things alive.  Therefore, my garden tends to suffer in summer and look rather terrible, so once it cools down a bit, I’m back out there trying to restore some order.  Here’s some recent photographic evidence that I’ve been bitten by the ‘Gardening Bug’ (phone pics from Instagram):

There is still much to do.  The ‘Gardening Bug’ still runneth through my veins!  I bought a water feature to set up where our pond used to be (has been filled in).  There are more pots wanting plants, there are gaps in the garden that need filling, more plants to be pruned, and..and..and!!

All jokes aside, gardening is actually very good for you!  Here’s five (5) reasons why, but there are even more:

1. It gets you moving.  Without even realising it (because you’re doing something you hopefully enjoy) you are squatting up and down giving your legs a good work out and you’re digging in the soil working out those arms, as well as many other muscles throughout your body.  You can burn calories while your garden – win/win!
2. It clears your head and enhances your mood.  Getting outdoors, disconnecting from technology, and connecting with the earth does wonders for the mind, mood, and your creativity.
3. It reduces stress.  You will find yourself begin to relax as nature has a way of bringing with it a sense of peace and calm.  Immersing yourself in nature is a natural relaxer and boosts those endorphins, helping you become more grounded, centered and relaxed.
4. Gardening strengthens your immune system.  While you’re outdoors basking in the sun, you’ll also soak up plenty of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. In turn, calcium helps keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy.
5. Gardening allows you to enter an altered state of consciousness – similar to that obtained in yoga, jogging or meditation.  It’s a zone where problems and worries are cast aside as nature and the earth work their wonders on your spiritual health.

Here’s some photographic evidence that the ‘Gardening Bug’ gets me at this same time of year, every year.  These photographs were taken in very early April 2015.

So folks – BEWARE of the bite of the ‘Gardening Bug’.  It strikes most people in Spring.  It strikes me in Autumn, but in reality it can strike at any time of the year!  Once bitten – you are at risk of healthy activity that may benefit you not only physically but mentally and spiritually too.  Brace yourself, you may feel ….. mood enhanced, energised, satisifed, relaxed and GOOD afterwards.  I know!!

Do you ever get bitten by the gardening bug?  Do you enjoy gardening?  Are you one who likes looking out on a lovely garden but don’t enjoy doing the actual gardening?  Maybe you like the hosing and watering part (it can be so relaxing)?

Ciao for now,

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