protected place where we practice being where we are and actually doing what we ' re doing .
Lamp ' l described finding his " Zen moment " in his garden , where he tunes in to his experience . For example , while he generally loves to listen to podcasts , he doesn ' t when he ' s in the garden . " That ' s sacred time for me ," he said . " When I ' m out there weeding , I want to hear the birds . I don ' t want to hear anything else . It ' s a quiet time , and I relish it ."
I often find that centring effect in my own garden . Just last night after heavy rain I sat in my garden in the dying light of the day and took in what was around me . It was striking how quickly I felt a sense of ease .
8 . Physical Exercise
Moving your body regularly is an effective way to boost mood and lower anxiety , and gardening offers " no shortage of opportunities for physical activity ," said Lamp ' l . Even when he ' s not able to get to the gym consistently , he maintains muscle tone and feels good through daily work in his garden .
The movements are varied , too , which may mean fewer repetitive use injuries compared to more structured exercise . " When I do my weeding , I ' m on my belly , on my butt , lying on my side — doing a lot of things you probably do in a yoga class ," he said . " I can give up my gym membership ."
9 . Reducing Stress
Not surprisingly , time in your garden can be a great way to release stress . There ' s something about feeling the life all around you , the warmth of the sun , the soil in your hands . As I sit in my own garden these days I see rainbow Swiss chard and lettuces shaking in the wind , blueberries , blackberries , and strawberries ripening , and feel the breeze as clouds move across the blue sky .
Just don ' t forget to spend time simply being in your garden . There ' s always the next thing to do , as Lamp ' l pointed out , so take time deliberately to step away from activity and experience what ' s around you .
10 . Eating Healthfully
Last but not least , a garden can yield the freshest and healthiest foods available — the types of food that can have a significant impact on our