Humans have benefited from their relationship with plants for thousands of years. Plants have been essential for nutrition and survival, and a modern day garden can provide you with a bounty of healthy foods. But another benefit of having a garden is the boost it provides to your mood and your overall mental health.

Exercise has been proven to lower stress, and gardening provides a great daily source of physical activity. Raise your heart rate by doing some raking or cultivating and you'll feel your stress diminish. You can incorporate stretching and bending into your gardening workout, while practicing soothing deep breathing. In addition to knowing you have treated your body to healthy physical activity, you will be able to see the results of your work as your garden grows.

Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body's natural pain killers. Endorphins also create a sense of happiness and general well-being. When you exert yourself in the garden, endorphins may wipe away the stress of a busy workday.

For many women, getting out in the garden is a way to connect with nature. Being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air is a mood lifter. The garden can also be a calming natural retreat - an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of work and family. Gardening can be a form of meditation, as you lose yourself in soothing, repetitive movements.

Gardening can provide an outlet for creativity and a sense of accomplishment. You can see the results of your daily work as your plants thrive in the garden. It can be a reminder of how the small things in life are important. Notice the rich colors and the beauty of what you have created. You'll feel a mood-lifting sense of achievement after tending to your garden.

You can find an outlet for your nurturing side when you work in the garden. Tiny plants that you tend to lovingly grow strong. You'll be rewarded for your attentive care by beautiful blossoms and vegetables brimming with fresh flavor.

Gardening can also provide a social outlet. You might want to join a gardening group to share tips and have your questions answered, or even take a class on gardening. Gardening provides a great way for families to work together on a rewarding project. You'll have the opportunity to share the wonders of nature with your kids, while teaching them how to be responsible for garden tasks. The whole family can benefit from planning a garden together and watching as it grows.

So, if you're thinking about ways to relax and enjoy life more, plant a garden. You'll not only have a serene and beautiful place to escape to after a hectic day, but you'll be rewarded by a healthier mind and body.