Embracing Retirement: Gardening Is a Simple Way to Improve Your Quality of Life
Volume 16. Have You Started Your Garden Yet?

Welcome back to my series aimed at helping you adjust to and enjoy your retirement. My last article was published on January 26th, and encouraged readers to try cross-country skiing. This is one of my favorite activities in the winter months. However, the seasons have changed and it soon will be officially Summer. It already feels like Summer to me, since I normally associate the vegetable and flower gardens with the Summer season.
I have written about gardening previously in my Embracing Retirement series. I will post a link to that story below. So why I am again writing about gardening? I feel so strongly about the benefits that I wanted to re-visit the topic. It will also give new readers here at Crow’s Feet a chance to consider my advice.
Gardening Offers So Many Possibilities
If you are new to gardening, there are many choices. You can grow vegetables, flowers, or both. If you can’t get outside or have no outside space, houseplants are also fun to grow. I would encourage you to start small so as to not get overwhelmed. As with any hobby, the idea is to keep yourself busy. By focusing on gardening and the many tasks involved, you will find yourself being able to relax mentally. It will give you a sense of accomplishment. If you are having trouble adjusting to retirement, gardening can help you learn to enjoy it.

Along with the mental benefits, gardening provides obvious physical benefits including improving strength and flexibility. Work within your limits so it remains fun and doesn’t become a dreaded chore. You may find yourself stiff and sore at first but with time you will feel better. Breath in. Breathe out. Enjoy. You deserve your retirement.
Gardening Will Make You Feel Better Overall
As we grow older we all have days when we might not feel 100%. Maybe a little tired. Maybe a little stiff and sore. Perhaps feeling down a little? I encourage you to give gardening a try. For me, it is almost magical. I always feel better when I get out in the garden. Even if it’s only for 15 or 20 minutes.
Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
