I just finished planting my little garden in a plot in one corner of my back yard. It's small enough that weeding isn't too big a chore, and it's large enough to yield plenty of vegetables for me as well as a few for neighbors and friends. Even though weeding isn't too big a chore, it's a gardening task I haven't always enjoyed.
But planting my garden gives me lots of pleasure. There's something about being outside in the sunshine, digging in the soil, planting seeds or small sprouts that makes me feel good, healthier. An article, How Nature Heals by Charlotte Hilton Andersen in the May/June 2025 issue of Reader's Digest, explained that being in nature can be so healthy that some doctors prescribe it for their patients.
Taking a walk, hiking in a forest, mountain or by a lake, or visiting places such as botanical gardens all immerse us in the out-of-doors. Doing anything outside, including riding a bike or having a picnic, all expose us to the benefits of nature.
If you don't feel like gardening or hiking, try sitting under a tree for a few minutes. It will help reduce your stress and improve your mood. That can be especially helpful if you're someone who needs time alone. When you sit under a tree, take time to enjoy its beauty and absorb the calmness that often surrounds trees. You will leave feeling like you're ready to handle the rest of your day with greater energy. It even helps your immune system do a better job of keeping you healthy.
Some doctors like to prescribe walking outside or even taking off your shoes and socks and feeling the grass with your feet because those activities have many health benefits. Among them are lowering your blood pressure, reducing inflammation and chronic pain, helping with weight loss, and even lowering levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
I wasn't aware of all the benefits of spending a few minutes outside in nature until I read that Reader's Digest article. I just knew that every time I came inside after gardening my mood improved. I had more energy. I was in a better frame of mind.
I didn't used to relish the never ending task of weeding my garden. Now when I grab my hoe, I do it knowing that every minute I spend in my garden is helping my health to improve. That puts a whole new perspective on keeping weeds under control!