Stay Healthy While Gardening

Hi Friends, today I am turning the reins of the blog over to Cora Gold. With Spring just around the corner, it is a good time for Cora to share her tips to Stay Healthy While Gardening.

Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

Gardening provides many health benefits. You can get clean air and some exercise while gardening, not to mention eating all of the fresh, healthy produce from your garden.

While you may not think of it as a dangerous activity for your health, it can be strenuous, and you have to watch for pesky insects that can leave you with bumps all over your body. To stay healthy while gardening, read these tips.

Tips to Stay Healthy While Gardening

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Wear the Correct Gear

If you’re an avid gardener, it’s essential to have the correct gear while you garden. Here are some items you should wear if you’re gardening:

• Trousers: The first thing you should do before gardening is put on the proper clothes. Wear durable work trousers to protect your legs from bites or scratches from plants. I can’t stress wearing gloves too much. An acquaintance of mine almost lost a finger from an infection she got while working in her garden.
• Gloves: Also, put on gloves — the right gloves can prevent blisters and keep your hands safe from harmful plants. I can’t stress gloves enough. A friend of mine almost lost a finger from an infection she got while working in her garden
• Safety glasses: These will prevent dirt and debris from getting in your eyes. Any pair will do as long as they protect your eyes.
• Boots: Get a pair of boots that are waterproof and slip-resistant. While you’re watering the garden, you don’t want your feet to be wet, and you don’t want to risk falling.
• Knee pads: You’ll likely spend a long time bent on your knees to pull weeds, so get a cushion or knee pads to add comfort and protection.
• Wide-brimmed Hat: Get a hat that will cover your face and the back of your neck from the sun.

Dressing appropriately while gardening will make the time, both during and after, much more enjoyable.

Prevent Insect Bites

If you have a garden, you’ll likely have insects, unless your garden is indoors. Survey your garden before entering it for any signs of insects, like chewed leaves or larvae. If you see signs of insects, use an organic or a natural insect killer that is safe for both you and your plants.

Additionally, wear a safe insect repellent while gardening. Some common garden insects include ants, mosquitoes, ticks, hornets and spiders. Mosquitoes and ticks can pose a serious danger to your health because they carry diseases. Help cut down the prevalence of mosquitoes in the first place by eliminating any standing water in your garden.

Also, as stated previously, wear the correct gear. By covering your body with durable clothing, the insects will have a more challenging time getting to your skin.

Stretch and Maintain a Good Posture

Gardening can be hard on your joints, especially if you work in a garden for extended periods. Before you begin toiling, do some stretches. It will help you move with ease and will keep your muscles from tensing up. If you stiffen while gardening, stop and stretch some more.

When you garden, get in a comfortable position to reduce strain on your back. Lift any items using your knees and not your back. Also, remember to take breaks. Gardening is meant to be enjoyable work, so don’t overexert yourself. That way, you can stay in good health.

Use a stool or a rolling bench that also has storage for your gardening tools. Sitting down while weeding or working in the garden is much easier on your back than bending over or kneeling.

Protect Yourself From the Sun

Finally, protecting yourself against the sun is essential if you want to stay healthy while gardening. The sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D, but too much exposure could lead to health concerns. You’re already wearing protective clothing, but you can add a few more items to further protect your skin.

If you can, find a pair of safety glasses that double as sunglasses. Apply sunscreen as well, about 15 minutes before you head outside, and make sure you reapply throughout the day. Also, you can limit your sun exposure, especially during the hotter hours of the day. Opt to work either earlier in the morning or the evening.

And once again, you can’t beat a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off of your face and the back of your neck.

Grow Produce and Stay Healthy While Gardening

Gardening has many health benefits and can be a great activity to relieve stress. Although it can be a relaxing activity, you should still be aware of your wellness while digging in the soil.

With these tips, you can ensure safety and health while you’re gardening.

If you are a gardener, you might also be interested in our posts on Compost Tea and building a Compost Tea Brewer.

To refer back to these tips to stay healthy while gardening, bookmark this page or pin the following image.

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!