I’m Going To Combat COVID-19 Anxiety With “Garden Therapy”
I've always had it in my heart to be more of a "green thumb." My parents always seemed to have a knack for it that I somehow failed to inherit by genetic means, unfortunately. I used to love watching them in the backyard, transforming the space into something more beautiful. Lovely.
Every spring this longing intensifies. This year, however, it's stronger. I'm quite certain I could tie this into the fact that we are dealing with extra stress over the COVID-19 pandemic. I deeply believe that getting outside and gardening is one of those stress-relieving silver linings in the cloud that is having to spend more time at home.
Also though, I've always felt that nature is therapeutic. There's something deep within us that needs to be in touch with the earth and things that grow and move, organically. I would even daresay at least some of our issues with anxiety in the United States and other highly industrialized nations is due to having lost touch with the natural world.
Even on days when I hesitate to want to do outside and "get my hands dirty," every single time I do, I find by the end I'm less stressed, happier, and exhausted--but in a good way. Of course, that doesn't even account for the sheer joy of watching things you've planted come to life.
So, since I've been feeling extra-anxious lately over the loss of life and health around the world, I'm going to do my best to bring something beautiful to life--including more peace of mind.
How are you spending your time during the quarantine? We'd love to hear from you.
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