Digging in the dirt is something I really look forward to. I find the act of gardening and planting flowers in my yard very therapeutic. Gardening is a great way to get physical activity and expose yourself to the great outdoors! However, as with all activities, you should be mindful of how your body moves and works, as well as take precautions to protect yourself from the tools, soils, fertilizers, insects, etc. Here are some suggestions to follow to avoid injuries, pain and discomfort.
Wear gloves
Gloves are a great way to protect yourself from calluses, blisters and your skin from fertilizers, bacteria and fungi that live in the soil. Small cuts will expose you to a potential risk of infection so be mindful. Choose the proper gloves according to your task at hand. Wear heavier leather gloves if you are working with rose bushes or any bush with thorns and the pretty cloth gloves are handy for protecting you from sun exposure and damaging your fingernails.
Use the right tools
To avoid unwanted accidents, use tools for their intended purposes. For example, use a small shovel or hand-held shovel for digging instead of your hands to avoid any chance of cutting yourself from sharp objects hidden in the soil. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for each tool and, when possible, buy brands with safety locks.
Avoid prolonged repetitive motions
Because we live in Nova Scotia, we can’t garden outside year-round. Therefore, when gardening season arrives, we are all eager to dive in! A gradual progression is necessary because we are not used to the activity of gardening. Repetitive motions, such as digging, raking, trimming hedges, pruning bushes or planting seeds, may cause skin, muscle/tendon or nerve irritation. To minimize this from occurring, rotate your activities every 15-20 minutes, with a brief water break in between, so that the same muscles are not used over and over again.
Watch your posture
Always be mindful of your body position. Try your best to minimize bending at the waist. Use your knees to bend, keeping your back as straight as possible. Invest in a small stool if this will help you. Also, be careful with the angle of your wrist while using hand tools. If something feels uncomfortable, your body is trying to tell you something. Take the time to listen!