Finding serenity in sunflowers

Many of us begin gardening to improve the aesthetic appeal of our property. Others take up the practice to have fresh herbs or veggies at their disposal. And some people simply have a green thumb they want to put to good use.   

There is something very appealing about planting a seed and watching it grow — however, we often don’t think of gardening as an activity that can directly impact and improve our mental health and wellbeing.  

For those who have access to private outdoor space (or even a well-lit corner of an apartment), gardening can serve as a wonderful mindfulness and meditative practice. Our thoughts tend to wander — especially with the added stressors that come with a global pandemic — but when you practice mindfulness, you are in the present moment. Your focus and attention are solely on the task at hand.  

When you’re gardening, you can become fully immersed in the experience. Your feelings, enjoyment and focus all become concentrated on digging, planting, pulling or watering. The news of the day can start to feel lightyears away as you watch your plants blossom and bloom.  

That’s why we’re fully embracing the rising temperatures and increasingly sunny skies this week with an edition of Wellness Wednesday that celebrates the joy and tranquility of gardening.   

In the video below, Monique Sosa, writer, marketing content and brand ambassador (ONN) gives us a peek into her annual family gardening ritual — growing giant sunflowers. This year more than ever, Monique is turning to her love for gardening for its wellness benefits and hopes to inspire others to start planting their own seeds of positivity (both literally and figuratively) this spring.  

Disclaimer: Monique’s gravity-defying 15-foot sunflowers may not reflect the typical gardening experience.  

Don’t forget — an important part of wellness is connectivity and community.  

During this difficult time, we encourage you to go on Yammer and connect with your team mates and other staff across the organization, using the hashtag #WellnessWednesday.  

Share your own videos, photos or tips about what you’re doing to stay well while working from home — or bravely working on the frontlines – and help inspire and motivate others.  

You can also email communications@blood.ca with your ideas for future Wellness Wednesday videos.

---

Five reasons to love sunflowers

Each spring, our family looks forward to growing giant sunflowers together. It’s a tradition our friends and neighbours look forward to each year, as we’re amazed by how huge they get. 

1. They are bright, colourful and beautiful 

2. The centre of the sunflower houses hundreds of thousands of tiny individual florets that contain nectar and pollen; a food source for bees. 

3. The seeds are edible and nutritious.  

4. They attract birds to your garden. 

5. You can’t mess it up — sunflowers are so easy to grow! Check out the video to help you get started.  

 

- Monique Sosa