Using gardening as therapy
Gardening can be intimidating to some. It was to me. Every year, I plan to garden. Every year, I never did. This year, it is different. The stayingsafe-at home terms of engagement gave me more time to dream of a garden, and actually get it started. It started with a couple of tomatoes, then a couple of eggplants, a few herbs, more flowers, and shrubs. I swear the whole community was doing the same as evidenced by masked men and women lining up to visit the garden store. The line alone was intimidating. I had a list, but I came out of the store with things that were not on my list. I let go of my pent up shopping emotions. Pots, and more pots, solar lights and garden decors – I was on a roll.
A couple months later, I am the happiest watering, replanting, or just sitting in the evening enjoying my solar lighted little garden. Some unwelcomed culprits are nibbling on my tomatoes and eggplants, but it’s all good! I have discovered the joy and disappointments, and more joy of gardening. I have always enjoyed spending time outdoors, surrounded by greenery and living things. Now I don’t have to go anywhere. I don’t know what to do with the culprits, but I’ll figure it out. Next garden season, I will be more educated.
As it turns out, I’m not original in this awakening. Scientist have found that spending two hours a week in nature is linked to better health and well-being:
•Gardening offers no shortage of physical activity. Moving your body regularly is known to boost your energy, mood, and reduce level of anxiety. Sitting, bending, squatting, or stretching – you name it! You can give up your gym membership.
•A garden can yield the tastiest, freshest and healthiest food. Nothing can beat the juiciest tomato fresh from the garden. If only my unwelcomed visitors do not beat me to it!
• Studies have shown that immerging yourself in greens in natural landscape is linked with better recovery from surgery, and better stress management. I’m soaking it in.
•A garden can give you a quite respite of many “Zen moments. The mindful moments of watering and listening to the sounds of the birds, and the moving leaves are what I find most relaxing.
• Letting go of perfection. Trying to make everything perfect can lead to frustration and paralysis. Growing something from a seed to harvest is not always as expected. The tomatoes are misshapen, the flowers fall off, the winds beat up the young leaves and the pesky unwelcomed visitors adds to the trauma. But that is nature. I’ve learned to accept what is, and harvest the good – literally.
These are just a few benefits that I have simply experienced myself. I totally recommend it. Start slow and just start. It may be too late for a seed, but you can certainly start with a young plant. The garden stores are still full of them. I have learned that healthy soil is important. Spend some time preparing the planting area. I just used pots. I move them around. Grow what you like. Start will something easy to take care of. Small joyful successes is motivating, speaking from experience.
As we live through this unusual time, re-discovering the simple joys of nature offers a healthy alternative to boredom and frustration. Create your own “blue zone” that will support your health and well-being. It will provide your immune system a much needed boost and your palate a tasty treat.
A registered nurse, Dr. Elvie C. Ancheta is administrator of the California Department of Veterans Affairs’ William J. “Pete” Knight Veterans Home in Lancaster.