Grow Your Stress Away

Spring is the season for gardening. Whether you enjoy watching flowers bloom or tomatoes turning red, there is something for everyone. You may be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with stress management?" Gardening is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Getting closer to nature is a wonderful way to manage stress, anxiety and also depression. While the initial effort may be, well, exhausting, once your plants are in the ground, fertilized, watered and mulched, you can begin reaping your rewards. For some, the physical effort involved in gardening is therapeutic in itself. It is sort of like sweating your stress away. Once your fruits and vegetables begin to grow and flowers begin to bloom, there is a feeling of satisfaction. Then there is the time when you can cut those flowers and put them in a vase on the dining room table and enjoy them while eating the produce you grew yourself. Delightful! However, not everyone has a green thumb. There are plants that are virtually foolproof, no matter what color your thumb is. Visit your local nursery and talk to them about what is available. Even if you don't have a yard, there are herbs, plants and flowers that can grow easily in a windowsill. Don't worry if your initial efforts are not a grand success, it happens to everyone. Gardening is a hobby that you never master (sorry Master Gardeners). There is always more to learn and do. Find your happiness . . . in the garden!