THE TOP 5 THINGS
By Leslie Vizcarra-Tierney
Vice President of Operations & Patient Navigator
Gardening Can Teach You About Self - C are If you feel that your thumb is not as green as some gardening enthusiasts you may just need some guidance or helpful tips. As far as its relationship to self-care there is an undeniable correlation between gardening and selfcare. Gardening, like self-care, takes time and patience before the benefits can be enjoyed. The effort you put into gardening, just like the effort you put into yourself, will be reflected in the outcome. You will see a better version of yourself and the plants you are caring for. There are many helpful go-to-tips and pointers to help with both gardening and self care. See how closely they are related! Let’s explore the helpful tips. 1. Schedule Time and Create a Calendar Gardening does not have to be a daunting task. You should not feel intimidated by the project. Of course, you will need to have time and give your garden attention. Selecting what type of garden you have time for is
the first step. In this busy world, we are all overworked and have a lot of responsibilities. Setting aside time can be a challenge, but the key is to start small and work towards a goal that you set. Select a project that fits well with your schedule. Create a calendar and determine how much time you can devote to your hobby. Perhaps a simple potted plant is all your schedule allows for at this time. Perhaps you have time for a small raised garden in your yard. Some cities have community gardens that you can join and work with others to tend the plants. It is all your choice based on the time you create and allow in your schedule. The same goes for self-care. You want to set realistic goals for yourself. You may have the intention to start a new self-care practice but if you give yourself too many responsibilities you are likely going to fall back into the same habits. Allowing yourself to build up to a goal is the best way to create a healthy habit. For instance, maybe you have been wanting to start
an exercise routine. Set yourself up for success by making small changes first. For example, the weather is getting warmer in Northeast Ohio and you want to start walking outdoors. Perhaps your goal is to walk for twenty minutes every day. Start slow and give yourself time to get there starting with walking twenty minutes three times a week. Starting slowly will allow you to feel accomplished and save yourself from disappointment if you make your expectations reasonable. 2. The Soil is your Foundation and Nutrition is the Key Every planned garden starts with the soil. It is the foundation of a healthy plant. Luckily, in gardening, there are a variety of options to select for your plant. Planning what you want to grow and learning what type of soil the plant likes, guides you toward developing your skills to be a wonderful gardener. When you have good soil the roots of your plant will flourish and condition your garden to thrive. Good soil provides the nutrition for
LIVING WITH LUPUS MAGAZINE
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