We all have hobbies. They are a great way to spend our free time, to relax and to have some fun. But did you know that some hobbies are much more productive than others? The official definition of a hobby is an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure. And usually that’s what a hobby really is. However, have you ever imagined that you hobby can help you develop your business? Well, it can. Of course, it depends what your hobby is. Here we’re going to talk about gardening and the 6 ways to develop your business through it.

1.Mental focus and meditation

Nowadays we’re living such busy lives that it is getting harder and harder to take your mind off your problems and to find inner peace. However, that is extremely important for developing your business. To be able to forget about everything else and focus only on building competitive strategies is what makes you successful. Gardening is a great way to achieve that and to take a break from your stressors. While you’re deliberately focusing on the actions of gardening, you are setting aside all your problems for a while. Thus, gardening provides a great environment for mental focus and meditation, which are the key factors for productivity and developing your business.

2.Creativity

Being creative is one of the most important aspects of developing your business and gardening is a great way to develop your creativity. Your garden has wonderful conditions for being creative. It is up to you what to plant in it, where to plant it, what companion plants to include, how to take care of them, and so on, and so on. What’s even better, is that being creative in gardening allows you to reap the benefits of the end result. And the same goes for your business. Whatever you sow, you will reap. Therefore, this is one exciting and rewarding way to practice for real life conditions.

3. Patience

Being patient is one of the hardest things in life. But have you ever wondered why? Because it is scary. One of the scariest things to do is to calmly sit back and wait, without knowing what’s ahead and trusting that good things are coming. We always want to know exactly how life is going to go, exactly where we are going to be in 5 years and exactly what we are supposed to do. But that’s not how life works. And that’s not how business works. Sometimes even after careful planning, researching and implementing your strategies something can go wrong. And that’s okay. You can call it fate, luck, destiny or God’s plan. Doesn’t really matter, but you have to learn to accept it and trust that things are gonna get better. Gardening teaches you that. Season after season, you’re getting better. Sometimes your production might suffer or even die because of the weather conditions and you have to accept that you can’t control that. But you have to be patient and keep trying. You have to believe. It’s not going to be easy. Actually it’s going to be really really hard, but in the end it will be absolutely worth it.

4. Health

In order to be able to develop your business you should be in a good shape. Mentally and physically. Here are some of the many ways in which gardening improves your health:

  • Fresh air helps us feel energized and sleep better. It is full of oxygen, which provides health to the cells in the body. Therefore, being outside in the garden, breathing in the fresh air promotes a sense of well-being and good mental focus.
  • Serotonin is responsible for keeping the brain balanced and us feeling good. Melatonin is the chemical that is responsible for inducing sleep. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to increase both.
  • Nature with its rich soil, plants reaching towards the sky and beautiful sounds helps us bring ourselves into a balance. These things help us bring our attention to the present moment and thus, achieve mindfulness.

5. Testimony

Your hobby can be a great way to show your values. The Corporate Social Responsibility practices, which you apply in your business are hardly enough. Nowadays, many companies have CSR practices, not because they truly care for nature and the well being of the society, but because of financial reasons. Тherefore, if your hobby supports them that’s a good way to show that you really care. An even greater advantage can be participating in an interview and making a statement by comparing your personal and professional life.

6. Team building

Depending on the size of your garden and of course your business, you can make a great team building in your garden. You can use the natural environment to provide challenges that facilitate team building, problem solving, trust and communication. Here is one great idea. If your coworkers have hardens too you can make a game out of it. Compare your production and choose winners in different categories, such as biggest tomato, most delicious cucumber and so on. People who don’t own gardens and cannot participate can be the jury. Your team building can be combined with an evening party or reception in the garden, where you can serve your natural production. Healthy food, followed by drinks and dancing. What’s better than that? Don’t forget to include comfortable seating, though. Time spent on team building activities in the garden will leave you feeling alive and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Therefore, it’s a great way to motivate or coworkers and thus, develop your business.