The garden looks lovely as I write with the daffodils out and the grass starting to grow again after its winter break. Many will be thinking of getting out there and starting to tidy up. Before you get too carried away and have to be carried away because you’ve hurt your back, take a few moments to prepare to prevent this happening.
Do a few minutes walking around the garden just to warm up the muscles and some very simple stretches. Shoulder rolls are a goodie and some gentle side to side bends. Make sure you have loose fitting clothing and your footwear is appropriate. I often garden in flip flops but this is really dam stupid when using a fork. So don’t do what I do. If you are putting canes in to support plants then wear some glasses as there are a huge amount of injuries caused by people poking their eyes out as they lean over a cane. Ouch!
To avoid a visit to the clinic do take notice and put into action the following things;
· Use a kneeling mat or a low stool to avoid too much bending over
· Don’t over reach-go to the plant or weed
· Limit your digging or forking over the soil to very short time at first until your body gets used to the extra effort
· Use long handled tools where possible and have a tool belt for small tools
· Make use of lighter weight wheelbarrow and weeding boxes with wheels
· Work at a bench if you can
· As you get older you may want to think about garden redesigns to raise beds and paying someone to put down gravel etc to stop the weeds
· Be mindful of your body, if you check in every few moments with how your body is feeling you may well prevent some serious injury
No comments:
Post a Comment