Photo by Markus Spiske
Although lockdown restrictions are lifting, it could still be a while before everyone is safely out socializing in the world again. For many people, staying home is a way to stay safe even without a global pandemic.
Gardening is an activity with so many benefits, physically, mentally and is a safe activity you can do when you are stuck at home. In this post, we’ll look at gardening benefits and how it can help deal with isolation when you are stuck at home.
Exercise
Photo by Benjamin Combs
You may not think of it as an aerobic workout, but gardening can be hard work and has many benefits for your body. Hauling water, carrying soil, bending to plant, hoe, and weed are fantastic exercises and great for improving your flexibility and strength. You may end up with a few sore muscles after a long day, but that’s also part of the fun.
The critical thing to remember is to take it slow and easy and don’t push yourself to get every job done on the first day. Plants take time to grow, and your body needs time to adjust too. Start with some stretching before you start to work, and a bath at the end of the day can help ease aching muscles and joints.
Mental Health Benefits
Gardening is great for helping to deal with stress and anxiety from stay-at-home isolation. The simple act of planting seeds and tending to them puts you in connection with growing things and has a natural ability to help racing and worried minds slow down to concentrate on simple tasks.
Simply breathing fresh air and working in the sunshine can sometimes be enough to lift the spirits and chase away the blues of isolation quicker than you can type “gardening and tree services near me”.
Create Your Own Quiet Space
Creating a quiet outdoor space can also help you stay calm and relaxed. With parks and trails packed with other people trying to get outside and exercise. A garden safe in your own backyard is an excellent retreat. Gardens are beautiful growing spaces – even the act of planting a seed is an act of hope and faith in tomorrow. Take time to enjoy the space you’ve created and the work you’ve put in.
Learn Something New
There are so many gardening resources out there. You can find the answer to just about every garden problem or issue with a quick search of the internet. Check out social media posts for local garden clubs in your area as a way to stay connected and social with people who share your interests.
Note, however, that certain tasks can be too dangerous to DIY and should be delegated to professionals. This includes tree cabling and tree pruning. Aurora, Vaughan, and other areas in the York Region have a reliable lawn and tree care agencies you can turn to.
Grow Your Own Healthy Food
Photo by Lettuce Grow
Eating healthy is very important, and what could be more beneficial than growing your own food? Many people were concerned about food prices and shortages during the lockdowns and have turned to growing their own food as an inexpensive and healthy alternative. You can find vegetable seeds in your local hardware store or garden centre, and many stores have seeds available for purchase online.
If you’re looking for vegetables, fruit-bearing trees, or maple trees for sale, you can find them at plant nurseries within your area.
Focus on Simple Tasks
It can be beneficial to create a plan for your garden tasks with a shortlist of simple jobs every day. Add it to your to-do list for the day. Include watering and weeding on separate days of the week and plan out your seeding schedule by season.
Isolation during lockdown at home can be challenging, but gardening can help you physically, mentally, and emotionally. So get out there and get your hands dirty.
