Keeping you Green Thumbs Healthy: Tips for Gardening from the AOTA

According to the American Association of Occupational Therapy, occupational therapy encourages many different occupations that help make our lives more meaningful while at the same time helping us be productive physically and mentally. One of these occupations is gardening. As more people take up this outdoor activity to save on groceries, help recover from injuries or enjoy fresh produce, the AOTA has tips to make it easier on our bodies.

Some of the major tips included:

• Conserve energy: while gardening, sit or use a padded kneeler seat that helps you rise from a kneeling to sitting position. Standing while gardening can take a toll on your back, neck or shoulders. Take breaks and know when you need to stop for the day. Also avoid gardening in the mid day sun to avoid exhaustion.
• Lighter lifting: Heavy bags of soil, mulch or fertilizer won’t move themselves. Remember to use your leg muscles or divide the bags into small portions and carry small amounts.
• Switch up your tasks: It is better to mix up your gardening task to avoid overstressing one part of your body. Change your positions and avoid hunching over for long period of time.

How do you garden healthy? Let us know here or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/stanbridgecollege.

For more tips on helping care for your green thumbs and other parts, please visit AOTA.

Interested in a career in Occupational Therapy? Visit Stanbridge College to learn about the Occupational Therapy Assistance program.