Spring is right around the corner! Being in Massachusetts, we are looking forward to warm weather and we are even more excited about the increased opportunities for more caregiver stress relief activities. There are a lot of activities from taking a walk to going to the beach that allow caregivers to take some time for themselves and soak up the sun.Gardening is one of these great summer activities, and it can be extremely beneficial for caregivers. A large part of gardening is related to having patience, which is also a crucial aspect of caregiving. Gardeners trust that all of their work will help their garden grow and blossom, even though they can’t immediately see the results. This delayed gratification is something that caregivers experience on a daily basis. Caregivers dedicate time, energy and money to their ailing loved ones, and frequently don’t immediately see the positive impact they are having. Gardening can help caregivers know that while they can’t see it, they are constantly positively impacting and bettering the lives of their loved ones.
Aside from teaching patience, gardening has been proven to reduce stress by decreasing cortisol. Furthermore, a 2007 study in Neuroscience found a bacteria in soil associated with increased serotonin production in the brain. Gardening decreases stress, increases happiness, and gives you an excuse to spend some time alone outside.
So, get outside and don’t be afraid to get some dirt on your hands!
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