Uniquely Yours Craft Journal

Dear Fellow Journalers,

I have to admit it, I’m not a gardener. Oh, I have planted flowers and shrubs in my past life, but I’ve not got the patience for it. When I decided to write about the different types of journals that people write and found garden journals on the list of favorite types I was intrigued. I had no idea how popular they are. I discovered that most garden journalers write more than just what they plant. They realized during the process of planning, buying, tilling, planting and weeding that the very acts were good for them.

So, for all you garden journalers out there, here’s a consensus of why gardening is good for you:

1.  Beats depression: There was a study done on individuals who showed the common symptoms of depression. The subjects were instructed to tend a garden for 6 weeks. The very acts of digging, pruning, weeding, watering and observing “the fruits of their labor” gave them hope and a new zeal for life.

2.  Gardening is low-pact exercise – a new way to lose weight and lower blood pressure.

3.  All that digging and bending develops all the major muscles in the back and legs. You develop a stronger posture.

4.  Spending time (at least 1/2 hour a day) increases your intake of Vitamin D.

5.  Gardening relieves stress.

6.  A sense of calm becomes evident when you immerse yourself in nature.

7.  If you’re addicted to your devices, gardening will help you wean from your habit.

8.  Everyone is embracing the idea of organic foods. If you grow your own fruits/vegetables, you know you’ll be eating healthier.

9.  Besides eating healthier, you’ll save money at the grocery store.

10.  Your neighbors will appreciate your flowers and extra tomatoes and you’ll start new friendships.

11.  Tending to your own plot of land can encourage feelings of gratitude and a sense of awe as you come to admire creation and beauty of nature.

‘Til next time,

~Sallie