Gardening can often demand a lot of physical activity. Granted there are ways to make it easier on yourself, or your elderly fellows, it’s essential to take care of yourself while you care for your garden.

Spending a whole day in your garden is a form of exercise. You bend, stand and hold certain stationary positions for a prolonged period of time. From your muscles tensing to your blood vessels pumping overtime, you’d want to be mindful on how to keep your body in check.

Whether you’re busy piling up your compost, pruning your plants or harvesting this season’s table spread, look no further. Today, we’re going to let you in on healthy gardening habits you must develop.

1. Wear the Right Clothes

Comfort and function are two things that need to be present in your gardener’s get up. You want a pair of pants that are loose enough to help you move and never as tight as constricting your movements. Make sure your clothes are forgiving to get worn down or dirty with soil. Furthermore, having the right footwear for gardening is a must.

Clothes can be dependent on the season too. So be sure to keep yourself warm if you need to do some winter gardening. Have the breeziest set if you’re working under the heat of summer. While you’re at it, apply enough sunblock too.

2. Have the Right Tools

Next to your clothes, having the right tools is another healthy gardening habit you must have. It not only makes your work easier and more efficient, it protects you from foreseeable injury and lessens the time you strain your back.

A trowel, knee cushion, shovel, a hose nozzle and watering can are a good arsenal to begin with.

3. Keep a Correct Posture

A hunched back today may be serious pain in the long run. That’s why it’s essential to keep proper posture when you’re gardening. Straighten your back and avoid bending through your waist when carrying a heavy load. Remember to bend your knees first before lifting up that bucket of soil or raised bed. This lessens the tension that can build up on your neck and back.

When pruning, pull the branches towards you or use a reacher. Never overreach or twist your arm too often.

4. Leave those Electronics Behind

It can be tempting to put all the progress you’re making on your Instagram. Who wouldn’t be proud of a thriving garden? However, do make time to leave your gadgets behind. Being truly one with Mother Nature is the most serene and calming activity you can indulge in. Allow yourself the silence.

While you’re gadget-free, double down on your breathing. Develop a healthy gardening habit of being mindful of your oxygen intake. Breathe slowly by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This doesn’t only provide instant relaxation and peace. It also ensures you have much better blood flow in your body.

5. Plant an Edible Garden

Nothing beats knowing where your food comes from. It’s a privilege to grown your own food. So if you have the space and time, plant an edible garden. This can be extra healthy if you have a family and a great way to get more nutrition in.

Aim for vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, cucumber, green peas, and zucchini to start with. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals to help boost your immune system.