Nourishing the body and soul is essential for a healthy and balanced life. We should practice this every day and it is essential to our health.
What makes your soul happy Music, dancing, sports, reading, prayer, special hobbies, and grandchildren are some of the things some of us enjoy or love. The list is endless. Some people have limited time and resources to do the things they enjoy; Nurses often fall into this category.
After visiting multiple friends of a caregiver and asking them the same question, “What nourishes your soul as a caregiver?” I have my answer. I’ve always been amazed at what nurses have in common, even though they come from such different backgrounds. Here’s what they had to say: work in my garden.
When I’m alone, I get lost in my garden and soak up the beauty of the other gardens around me, visit other gardeners and make new friends. Another gardener replied: work with my hands, feel the earth and the earth and be with nature. Working the point of my needle when it’s too hot to garden helps me forget the worries of my carers, said another.
Another carer who takes care of her almost 101-year-old father said: The work in my garden, from preparing the soil to planting and caring for the young plants, harvesting, washing and preparing the vegetables to enjoying the healthy meals, that I prepare. This nurse also takes care of herself every day with meditation and yoga without exception. This really shows that she knows how important it is to look after herself every day. This really shows the importance of taking care of yourself in order to be a better caregiver.
Supervisors have rights. You have the right to take care of yourself, put your feet up, take a break, go out with a friend, or whatever feeds your tired soul. It’s not selfish. Taking care of your needs will help you take better care of the needs of your loved ones. The supervisors I visited were between 70 and 80 years old. It is absolutely delightful to watch and hear them talk about their gardens.
A caregiver’s spouse is in the garden with her every day and they are so happy and grateful that they can enjoy the garden so much. He cannot work in the garden, but he supports them and visits all the other gardeners. This time in the garden nourishes the caregiver and the loved one.
My husband and I garden at Sagebrush Community Garden so we have the opportunity to visit lots of gardeners. What makes a garden peaceful? Create a serene garden area with fragrant plants like rosemary, thyme and mint and add other plants like lavender and jasmine to make your garden even more relaxing.
Studies show that gardening can keep you safe, so it really comes as no surprise that these busy and overworked caregivers get so much pleasure out of being in their yard. When you talk to a gardener, you will find that many of them have that positive attitude and good attitude in life. A lovable gardener in her 80s will tell you stories about how she grew up and how grateful she is to be part of a gardening community. She not only becomes mentally healthy, but also physically active and socialized.
AARP has sponsored two parcels in the community garden – we are very grateful for that. Caregivers need a place to feed their souls, and AARP helped create such a place.
Stella Montano a volunteer on AARP’s Sheridan Action Team and a former supervisor program manager at The Hub.