Planting is an enriching hobby for many. Nourishing a tiny seed and patiently watching it kicking to life through moisture, nutrition and light. There is a sense of love, belonging and accomplishment in witnessing the everyday growth of your baby sapling. Your life is never at a standstill with all this progress around you.
I explored happiness in the richness of mother earth and this goes back to the time when my body was juggling with low serotonin levels. Nevertheless, I discovered the potential of some incredible hobby choices.
Being in nature reduces agony, anger and stress levels. It is engrossing enough to relieve muscle tension and anxiety. Nature elevates good hormones like serotonin and endorphins. Wholesome breathing in the open also enhances your respiratory system and reduces blood pressure, thus improving your circulation.
Emotional bonding with your sapling to soiling your hand deep into organic mud, the feeling of joy is uplifting and rejuvenating. Soil triggers the release of serotonin in our brain. Serotonin, as we all know, is a natural anti-depressant and mood elevator. It enhances our immune system.
Nature helps us ease the pain. It distracts our pain by increasing our attention span. One becomes more mindful and in the moment. Gardening, on the other hand, is always a rewarding feeling. Growing healthy organic food enhances a greater sense of fulfilment and better self-esteem.
And last but not least, gardening is an effective way to burn calories as it encourages you to work out.
So if you have no clue where to find happiness start by digging it into your own garden.
Dr Anushree Lavania
MBBS, MD Pathology
Founder of WellbeingTraingle