Side Effects of Active Gardening

[Deleted User]

I now have a better tan than years of holidaying ever got me (ok, I'm probably getting wrinkles too but who cares).., altho of course, that's not considered healthy nowadays. Grey actually looks good on me for the first time in my life. Oh yes, its true that its mostly on the back of my arms and back.., but instead of looking good naked.., I look good from the back lol!

I've been doing a lot of digging to clear the allotment and make good the soil. I noticed that a big heavy mop that I couldn't squeeze out and use before (one of those JML twist ones) without getting back ache now is as light as a feather and no effort to use at all.

I'm sitting here with one of those expensive 'buy this mini gym' ads on the TV and thinking, nope u don't need one of those.., just get an allotment lol. Everyone keeps saying how well I look lately ha ha!

If my OH or I get into an argument, there's the allotment to go to to calm down and soil to dig or something to plant.., making u feel less negative.

Anyone else noticed these side effects.., or any others?

EmptyPockets

Oh definitely. Since we moved to this new house in September, I have managed to lose 1st 8lb. I'm convinced that all the extra outdoor activity has played a big part in that.

Strange though you may find this, I also realise another side-effect of taking pride in my garden: getting up smiling in a morning! I have never been a 'morning person' (ask my poor DH and he'll probably mention the words 'bear' 'sore' and 'head'!) but recently I've noticed that throwing open the bedroom curtains when I wake up, the first thing I see is our back garden and all the hard work we are putting into it.

Can't help but smile and feel good for the day then

scotsaver

I feel full of life since I aquired my Allotment in December, no longer have those days when I felt "a bit down", I think it's been said before that Gardening is like a therapy and I certainly agree.:D

I love my Allotment, love the exercise that comes with it, love the fresh air, love the peace and quiet you sometimes get there if there's no-one else there, equally love the "community spirit" when there are others there to share a cuppa with and swap tips etc and yes I also have a brilliant Tan!;)

The best bit about Gardening/allotments is when you pick your produce, already had strawberries,radishes, salad leaves and plan today to pick some Gooseberries to make some Chutney.:)

Dizzie77

heheheee - I have had this for the last 3 years - since I bought my own place....
My milk bottle skin has slowly started to look quite healthy, and it's nice to dig and achieve stuff - and like EmptyPockets says,
the pride you get from your garden is a great antidepressant!
I get excited when I see the shoots of a new plant popping up - or flowers coming on the beans/peas/potatoes/fruit canes.

There is nothing quite like picking your own veg and eating it straight away - so satisfying..!!

[Deleted User]

I agree with all of the above. I am a LOT happier.., and its just so nice to know rather than just going about your ordinary humdrum jobs, u are actually creating/growing something.

Picked my first ever courgette yesterday and dashed out of the back yard like a mad thing wanting desperately to show it to someone (like a five year old lol) and then stopped and realised it was probably dinner time for everyone and felt rather silly lol.

My triffid courgettes are doing me proud lol. I have loads of the BBC seeds left so can't wait to plant them in the allotment next year. I'll have to get the neighbourhood to learn how to make ratatouille or something lol.

ginnyknit

Gardening is definately good for the soul, the waistline and the bank balance! I get up at 6.30 to let the moaning chickens out, feed the rescue animals and wander round the veg plot with a cuppa. I had to give up work to look after DH and really struggled to get used to it all, then I realised how much weight I had put on :eek: But now I have a purpose in getting up and am slimming down nicely - still cannot resist Twinks hobknobs tho but we all need a little luxury don't we??

EmptyPockets

ginnyknit wrote: »

- still cannot resist Twinks hobknobs tho but we all need a little luxury don't we??

Haha! me too - I'm making some of those today actually

jollymummy

It's made me feel happier, my dodgy back is suffering a bit but blimey I sleep well these days

BOGOF_Queen

Read this somewhere " a garden is the best alternative therapy" - I am sure that this is true - if I have had a bad day at the office, I can spend a couple of hours out in my garden and all my problems have gone. This time of the year, nearly all my spare time is spent outside, I still get so much pleasure from growing my own veggies, have been doing it for over 30 years (had an allotment before they were as popular as they are now) and now have a large garden which takes up a lot of my time, but it's better than doing housework! Also, if you are not inside much, you don't notice the dusting that needs doing!

Joly_Roger

I've noticed that 'my' towel is now always very grubby and needs sending through the washing machine at least twice a week!

Primrose

I dread the day I may become too old or infirm to tend my garden. I enjoy pottering out there, tending my veggies, listening to the birds singing and it's where I work out all my problems if something is bothering me. Housework can go to the devil. There's all winter to worry about that. I almost hate going away on holiday or for long week-ends because I worry about how my vegetables are faring!