A perfect place to relax, unwind and recharge

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A perfect place to relax, unwind and recharge

When we think of relaxation and stress relief the first things that come to mind are massages, baths and spa treatments. No doubt these are great stress relievers, but there is another often overlooked hobby that can be just as relaxing. It’s gardening. Many women describe gardening as their natural high.

Much of the stress we feel comes from the feeling that life is growing increasingly busy and complex and we can’t keep up with all its demands. Gardening is the perfect antidote for today’s hectic pace. It teaches us acceptance and patience.

Joanne has been only gardening for a year and started as a recommendation from her therapist to help alleviate the stress in her life. Joanne says “At first I thought no way, too much work, no time, you’ve got to be kidding me. But, I knew I needed to do something. I was having a particularly hard day and I just decided that I was going to give it a try, so I carved out a space in my backyard and took the plunge. At first I would forget to water and had few things die, but after a few months I got in the groove. Whenever I'm in my garden, it only takes a few minutes before I get an overwhelming feeling of calm, it's surreal."

"A Spiritual Experience"

Beyond the physical and mental aspects of gardening, for many gardening is a spiritual experience. It fuels the soul with a connection to Mother Earth. It’s a time of solitude, peace and reflection. Many women use it as a time to connect with something greater than themselves.


So if all this sounds pretty good but you’re feeling a little green-thumb challenged, don’t worry, it’s not as hard as you think.

The best way to start is to pick one thing and get started. If the fragrance of fresh herbs in your yard sparkles your senses, start there. There is nothing like a whiff of Rosemary to bring your senses alive. If it’s color you want then start with flowers. If fresh veggies with your meals sounds good, start there.

You can visit your local nursery or even better there are several places online where you can get supplies and advice (see resources below).

"Start Small"

Remember it’s not the size of the garden that matters, so don’t overwhelm yourself before you even start. The last thing you want is gardening to create more stress.

If you live in the city or just want to start small then consider a window-box or a container garden, these are great for decks, porches, windowsills or rooftops.

Water Gardens are another serious consideration for starters or small spaces. They are the hottest trend in gardening right now. Kits are available that make starting this type of garden a snap.

Yes, there's some work involved in the setup process, but the rewards far outweigh the effort. So why not create a calm beautiful sanctuary for you and your family to enjoy? Here are a few benefits to get you motivated...

o Physical Energy - an outlet for tensions that build up in your body
o Self Esteem - provides a sense of pride and accomplishment
o Appreciation - the beauty of a garden delights the eye
o Soothing - grounding, giving a renewed appreciation for life and nature
--Meditations for Women
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