The irises are blooming, the rains keep coming, and yard work calls. Yep, it’s springtime. As an avid gardener, I know the lure of the dirt and a trowel. There is just something so rewarding about working with your hands in the earth, helping to nurture new growth. Or maybe you’re like a lot of people, and you do yard work because it’s your responsibility as a homeowner. Either way, the time for gardening is upon us.
Gardening can be wonderfully beneficial. According to Psychology Today, gardening allows us to relax and let go, while also releasing the “happy hormone” dopamine (Rayner, S. 2015, May 15). This spring, get outside and play in the dirt. It’s easy and fun! Just be sure to exercise some caution before you jump in.
Like any other physical activity, warming up and cooling down go a long way in preventing injury. A few minutes of warming up your body can get you ready to garden without injury.
To help you avoid injury, I have provided a few key warm up/cool down moves below. These moves mimic the natural postures of gardening and yard work, and will help get your body ready for all that extra activity. Take five minutes to do about five repetitions of each exercise.
Key Moves to Remember:
- Hip circles
- Simple squats
- Wrist and ankle circles
- Cat/cow pose
If you do experience pain after gardening, try a cold or hot pack applied to the sore muscle. However, if pain persists for more than 24 hours, it’s a good idea to seek help from an experienced chiropractor.