The Top 5 Things Gardening Can Teach You About Self-Care

By Leslie Vizcarra-Tierney

Vice President of Operations & Patient Navigator

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 your plants and confidence for the gardener to know you are on the right track.

For self-care, knowing and understanding what your body needs will help develop your foundation. You too need to care for yourself with proper nutrition to ensure you have proper energy and strength. If you are someone that is leaning on heavy caffeine to get through the day, start thinking about balance. Be sure you are giving yourself nutrients that can help you feel less fatigued and naturally energized. Having a proper diet and selecting food to fuel your body will help to provide stamina throughout the day. Instead of more caffeine, hydrate. Eat smaller healthy snacks instead of looking for a sweet sugary treat in the middle of your day. Think of grabbing some fruit and yogurt. Try adding chia seeds or flax seeds for extra nutrition. Eat almonds or nuts instead of chips. Balancing your nutrition is just like providing your plants with the proper nutrients. Both are essential to thrive!

3. Proper Sunlight and Protection

All plants require sunlight. Some plants need less than others but it is important to know your plant and make sure that your plant is positioned in a way that will help it grow and not harm it. This takes a little research on your end to make sure you plan to place your plant in an area that is suitable for optimal growth. You will not have a happy healthy plant if it gets too much or too little sunlight.

As a lupus patient, self-care means taking caution in the sun. Like plants, each lupus patient is different with regards to the sun. However, sunblock is necessary for all lupus patients. With proper protection and planning, lupus patients can enjoy being outside. But be sure to take caution about the amount of sunlight you are exposed to and make adjustments. Be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle and reapply sunblock after getting wet or sweating. Take breaks and limit sun exposure times. Some patients are extremely sensitive to sunlight whereas others are not as extreme. The main point is to know your limitations, take precautions, and wear sunblock and protective clothing. Sunlight does help our bodies make vitamin D. With proper sunblock protection, 20 minutes in direct sunlight can help to increase your vitamin production.

4. All Living Things Need Attention and Affection

Well-maintained gardens are looked after. Weeds that sprout need to be pulled. Adjusting the amount of water may be needed. Tending to your garden and noticing what it needs is very important. Maybe some insects do not belong. By the same token, some insects like bees and butterflies play a role in helping the plant to be healthy and bloom. Some plants grow well with others. While other plants can be placed to help eliminate unwanted pests. Mother Nature is a team effort. Working together as a team with Mother Nature will yield healthy and beautiful plants. The gardener takes the lead to make sure everything is running smoothly, providing attention and carefully tending to the garden to grow and blossom.

It is important for you to also pay attention to your own needs. Make sure that you surround yourself with people that help you grow and blossom into the person you are and want to be. Look for the people around you that help support you to be your very best. Be sure to honor those relationships and let them know they are appreciated. Weed out the people that tend to dim your light by setting boundaries. Recognize the people that help encourage you and limit interactions with the “pests’’ in your life. This helps maintain your own “safe” space for self-care, sets boundaries, and allows you to feel more fulfilled and loved.

5. Enjoy What You Do

If caring for a garden seems overwhelming and you think that everything you grow does not work, try a succulent! You only need to water them when they are dry and give them proper sunlight. Succulents tend to be hardy and do well. Taking care of plants should be enjoyable and not a daunting task. If it seems too hard, scale back to make sure you are appreciating your time spent taking care of your potted plant or garden.

You are meant to be fulfilled and life is meant to bring some happiness. Try to live your life with joy and gratitude, even on your tough days. When you take control of your life and spend it by doing the things you want to do instead of the things you dread doing you have managed to find the path of self-care. You are important and deserve to enjoy what you do and who you spend your time with.

Overall, you can choose the path you want in gardening and your life. Take the time to plan. Set yourself up for success. Proper nutrition will encourage healthy growth. Proper sunlight and protection maintains a healthy structure. Giving yourself attention and surrounding yourself with positive people will lead to success. Enjoy the time that you have created. Be happy with your choices and honor the small things in life. Explore new activities to learn and enjoy. If you are looking for a tribe to help support and encourage you, consider checking out one of our many support groups.

Someone that inspires me to be the best version of myself wrote a short poem. I would like to share with you. I find it fitting for this magazine’s article.

Armonia

Draw near to my heart and I will tend you. I’ll help you nurture the roots of your soul. I’ll cherish and adore you. You’ll shine under my love. I will watch you soar with beauty and grace. If drought withers the leaves of your heart, I will water you until you rise again. A bloom in all its glory. Author: Anonymous