When it is enough

Almost every conversation I've had with patients and clients recently has involved some discussion about Spring activities, most specifically - gardening.

Spring has sprung - at least only now in my neck of the woods! 🌷

With all the new physical activities that gardening requires, do you know when enough is enough?

Granted if you are a big garden lover, your garden is never enough. Only when the first snow falls do you hang up your trowel.

Keeping in mind that the physical demands of gardening are new to you in 2022 (catch the rhyme!), it is essential for your gardening longevity to know when enough is enough for one day.

Just like play off hockey (Go Oilers Go!), our goal is to make it to the stunning pots in August (i.e., the Stanley cup of gardening) and now is not the play off season. I would argue that we've only just begun the preseason of gardening.

Those professional hockey players have been training for their competition for months. They eased into their season many months ago and so should you!

Key things to remember as your gardening competition, er, I mean gardening activities ramp up.

#1 - Warm-up

This seems obvious and yet it isn’t something we necessarily do. Guilty as charged here!

Take a walk around your property and scope out what really needs doing.

Gather your tools and walk them to where they are needed.

Ease into movement before lifting that heavy shovel of dirt!

#2 - Do the Big Stuff First

The earlier in you gardening session you can fit in the big movements (i.e., lifting, pushing, etc.) the better. Your body is the "freshest" its going to be at the beginning and less neuromuscular fatigued compared to later in your session.

#3 - Do What the Plants Do

Take your time. Be deliberate. Flowers don't show up instantly. Nor does your garden need to be instantly "done".

Drink water throughout. No plant grows without water. You need it too!

Nourish yourself particularly if you are gardening over many hours or days. You can't perform on low nutrient dense foods. Neither do your plants.

And finally rest. Imagine those flowers that close up as the sun recedes for the day. You need rest too (and even maybe a soothing bath).

All in all, know that gardening is a process and with each session you do, help yourself by knowing when enough is enough.

No one wants to be stuck indoors and in pain with the beautiful Spring weather. Take care of you and your garden will take care in due time.

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

🙋🏼‍♀️ Oh wait - last week I mentioned that I'm teaching an upcoming in person workshop on Saturday June 11 at Yoga Within in Edmonton. Feeling your yoga: Bringing more awareness to your practice workshop fits so well with the concept of knowing when enough is enough. Our bodies send us messages. Do you feel them? This workshop will provide a chance for you to take a pause and listen.

​ Space is limited so register early if you want to work in person with me!