Gardening is a lot more effort that some people realize so if you are healthy and energetic then a garden is great fun and can be easy to maintain. However, if you are a passionate gardener, but suffer from a bad back it can be difficult keeping up with the seasons.
Here is some advice to help you stay cool and up to date with your garden activities.
Stop the Pains
Try to warm up before you start your gardening; gently stretch all your muscles and remember if it is cold, wait until later in the day when it’s a little warmer. Avoid repetitive garden work. Make sure you are careful when stretching for things or using your arms in a repetitive motion, such as digging with a trowel. Alter your position regularly as you work, take regular breaks and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and well. Don’t lift heavy objects if you can avoid it. If you must lift something heavy then remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight. You could always use a wheelbarrow to move things about where possible. If you are having a particularly painful day, then don’t do too much. A little is always better than none; you don’t want to make it worse!
Great Tools for Back Problems
Use tools with long handles, such as forks. Some tools have extendible arms which means you don’t need to stretch as much. Use pruners or loppers that have a ratchet system. This makes cutting easier and saves putting pressure on your back and shoulders. A helpful hint to avoid using too much energy is to make sure the blades in your tools are sharp. This way you will cut down or trim things but quicker and with less motion needed. Try to keep small items with you at all times, for example, get a tool belt to eliminate movement when you realize you need something. This saves time and stops you having to constantly bend down to pick them up. Buying a water hose holder can save a lot of time and effort and some of them even have automated pulley-systems so you don’t have to manually wind it back in to place.
Have Breaks
Don’t garden for more than a couple of hours at a time. Make sure you rest and stay hydrated throughout your day and keep your watch with you so you don’t lose track of time. It’s amazing how quickly time flies when you are having fun, but you don’t want to strain your back more than necessary. It is possible to just have a short 15-minute break between each hour stint and you will still get a lot done during a day. During your breaks, walk about for a bit gently, and sit down to rest your arms and legs. This short break will work wonders in keeping your back pain free. Of course, if your back is very painful then be very careful with how much work you set up for yourself. It may be better to hire a professional gardener.
Gardening doesn’t have to be a chore and it most definitely isn’t for some people. This hobby has been going on for years and will for years to come. Having a bad back or slight disability doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of growing your very own little garden.
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Tags: Easy tips, garden, How to, Tuesday Tips, Womens Info
