My Great Escape

As a child I loved playing in the dirt and climbing trees so I guess the natural transition was to engage in nature and then gardening. I also love being outside so not having enough to do with work and my sports, I decided seven years ago to take on an allotment.

This has been a great asset especially through the last few pandemic years; an oasis of calm and natural unwinding from work.  Being able to mentally declutter from the day and keeping me physically active with bending and stretching. Plus, the bonus of eating the lovely fresh produce.

Recently I handed back my six ‘Rods’ of land exchanging it for the life of a dog owner and taking on a puppy, which has its challenges too!

My take-away notes for any gardener, are to enjoy the treasured moments, come rain or shine of the beauty of nature, take a step back and BREATHE!

Take any pressure off award winning leeks and mega size pumpkins, as long as your plot is maintained to a usable standard you don’t all have to be prize winners; it’s not Chelsea!

But if you do begin to feel the pressure or any frustration about for example, the hosepipe ban, take a breath! As we all know breathing well is imperative to keeping us healthy and to calm both your body & mind. Increased oxygen into the blood stream keeps us alert, recharges our organs, brain and cells.

 So here’s a breathing technique for everyone to try…

The 3-4-5 technique

a) Breathe in deeply fill up into your lower ribs, slowly for count of 3

b) hold or continue to top up for a count of 4

c) then slowly breathe out for a count of 5…

Repeat 3 times, have a break and if required repeat again.

Wishing you all a happy national allotment week! Click here to find events in your area.

 By Tracey Jefford

M.Ost of OSteopathy and Dip Sports Massage