Yeah, I know, I’m sick! I mean, who in their right mind would actually enjoy mowing the lawn? But hear me out on this. I was driving home from a volleyball game for my daughter last night when John Tesh comes on the radio with his daily talk called: “Intelligence for your Life.” During the presentation he talked about the mental health benefits of mowing the lawn; I started laughing because I have said on numerous occasions how mowing the lawn is like therapy for my brain. So, this morning when I got into the office I decided to research the positive effects of mowing the lawn.
According to Linda Wasmer Andrews (Psychology Today):
Mowing the grass has mind-body health benefits. There’s something meditative about pushing a mower back and forth across that patch of green.
Here are the Five Greatest Benefits to Mowing Your Grass
Physical Exercise and Burning Calories
This one is obvious, whether you’re pushing your mower (best workout) or using a riding mower (what I normally do); getting outside to do lawn work will burn calories and get you moving. Even with the riding mower I still get steps in when I go back over the yard with my blower and weed-wacker. It typically takes me about 1.5 hours to do my lawn (start to finish) and that gets me moving and burning calories.
Calming Your Mind
According to Linda Andrews; “Back and forth and back again. Focusing on the repetitive movement of mowing helps you slip into a calmer state of mind. Meanwhile, the green surroundings help restore attention and promote a sense of well-being.” Personally, I always enjoy looking at the lawn after I spent a few hours working on it. It doesn’t matter what other stress is happening in my life, when I look at the work I had just accomplished on the lawn it brings the stress level down a notch.
Natural Prozac
According to research by Dr Nick Lavidis, a neuroscientist at the University of Queensland, he states that a chemical released by a freshly cut lawn makes people feel happy and relaxed, and could prevent mental decline in old age.
Time to Process
Sometimes my wife will look out at me as I’m mowing the grass and later she will ask me; “What are you thinking about out there?” I typically say, “Nothing.” But after further reflection, I realize that while I’m busy mowing the lawn I am also processing my day and the various issues that are weighing heavy on me. I will visualize the talks I have to give (formal or informal). Or I think about other projects I might want to get down (at home or in the office). Regardless of what I am thinking about, it is a time of mental processing.
Prayer
Finally, I spend time in prayer for my family, clients, and personal needs. I also thank God for His provision in my life or just praise Him for His creation and handy work.
Want more insight?
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What do you think about mowing the lawn? Do you enjoy it or not? Why? I want to hear from you and remember, please do me a favor and share this post with your friends.
