When I started to think about what I could share with others dealing with stress, I thought when is a time I feel my best? I realized I feel accomplished, at ease, peaceful after I have been gardening. It is my happy time.
I looked up some articles describing the health benefits of gardening. They discuss the science of bacteria in the soil is good for health; endorphins; serotonin levels increase; cortisol levels decrease, and vitamin D. I do not know about the science, but the general benefits were spot on: creativity, physical activity, pride, and mindfulness.
When I garden, I love the planning process. Researching the plants, watching gardening YouTube videos, making extremely rough drawings. I have to be careful to make sure the planning does not become stressful though, so I have developed a very, laid back gardening approach. I would encourage you not to get lost in the details and remember nature is not perfect and a cottage garden is a lovely sight. It is so exciting once I start to plant and the rough drawings become real – it feels like a real life a-ha Take Me On music video moment.
I always seem to discount the physical activity of gardening until planting day. Wow, the next day the back of my legs remind me I did not train properly during the off season. When you mention gardening, it is easy to visualize Victorian ladies carrying their baskets of cut flowers as they stroll along. My gardening is kneeling, digging, squatting, carrying bags of mulch, spreading mulch, amending soil, carrying and pouring potting soil into containers. I am sweaty and tired by the end of the day and it is wonderful. I enjoy getting my hands dirty, doing the work, and then stepping back to see the end result and visualize what the spaces will look like in a month. I feel happy and accomplished. Again, I have to remember to not create stress if all the plants are not planted right away, after all tomorrow is another day.
My favorite part about gardening is being outdoors. It feels good to be in the fresh air. My mind quiets and I concentrate on the simple task of pulling weeds, watering, digging a hole. The noise of the never ending to-do list for the house, family, and work is shushed. Instead I hear the noises around me, the birds, insects, wind in the trees. I feel the breeze on my face. My skin warmed by the sun. Smell the flowers, lawn, soil, mulch. Watch the bumble bee roll in the pollen; the butterflies dance from flower to flower. I leave my phone off and just exist in the moment.
Don’t have a yard? No problem. Gardening does not require a yard to experience the joy, creativity, and mindfulness. Until recently I did all my gardening in pots and experienced all the same enjoyment with less physical demands. The important thing is to keep it simple and enjoyable.
The most rewarding moment is when I stroll past my flowers and watch their progress and the realization of a plan or when I am sitting and enjoying the flowers and having a peaceful moment to myself. Be sure to take the time to enjoy the beauty you create.
Now, go get your hands dirty.
Cassie