Time for pencils, fresh angles, and sowing fresh ideas
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August, a month often filled with mixed emotions, serves as a reminder of change for many. Whether it's sending a child off to college, starting a new job, or returning to routine, the back-to-school season can be a challenging time. But Donna Letier, CEO and Co-Founder of Gardenuity, has some simple, heartfelt suggestions to help prepare mentally and emotionally for this transition.
At a recent Gardenuity wellness event, the topic of perspective and preparing for the new season was discussed. Letier shared her experiences, reminiscing about her own back-to-school days and the rituals she cherished. She recreated these memories with her daughters, Madison and Jillian, and emphasized the importance of maintaining these traditions.
One of Letier's suggestions is to invest in a desktop garden. These miniature gardens are not just decorative pieces, but living reminders to slow down, be present, and nurture oneself. Studies have shown that indoor plants, such as those in a desktop garden, can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and decrease the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a calming effect that helps people feel more comfortable and settled.
Moreover, the presence of plants improves cognitive abilities like attention and concentration, which is particularly beneficial for students preparing for or engaging in school. Engaging with plants can also serve as a therapeutic hobby, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression by providing a nurturing, mindful activity.
In addition to a desktop garden, Letier suggests getting a new mug. This simple item can serve as an invitation to savor, reminding the user to pause, breathe, and call their mother. Studies suggest that such calls might extend life expectancy. A new mug, especially one that feels personal or aesthetically pleasing, can enhance daily routines by adding a small but meaningful source of comfort and joy, helping to create positive rituals such as enjoying a warm drink.
Together, these items promote mental relaxation, increase focus, and provide emotional comfort, making them valuable tools for managing back-to-school stress and fostering a positive mindset. So, as you prepare for the new season, consider these mindful additions to your routine. They might just make the transition a little smoother.
[1] Smith, A. (2020). The Impact of Indoor Plants on Mental Health. HortTechnology, 30(3), 359-366. [2] Chen, X., & Wang, Y. (2017). The Effects of Indoor Plants on Cognitive Functions. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 56, 85-94. [3] Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(3), 84-90.
- Embracing a lifestyle that incorporates gardening, such as setting up a desktop garden, can provide various mental health benefits during times of transition, like the back-to-school season, as they help reduce stress levels, improve focus, and foster a sense of comfort and joy.
- To enhance a home-and-garden enthusiast's wellness journey during the changing seasons, setting up a small but meaningful space, possibly with a personalized mug and indoor plants, can become a therapeutic hobby that encourages mindfulness, boosts cognitive functions, and creates positive rituals.
