Time for pencils, innovative views, and sowing fresh beginnings
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As August approaches, the air is filled with a unique blend of emotions - joy, nostalgia, hope, and sometimes anxiety. Donna Letier, CEO and co-Founder of Gardenuity, recalls her childhood back-to-school experiences with a sense of anticipation and nervous excitement, punctuated by small rituals that marked the start of a new season.
This year, Letier suggests a simple yet heartfelt way to prepare for the new season - a desktop garden and a new mug.
A desktop garden can contribute to mental and emotional well-being during the back-to-school season. Studies suggest that regular interaction with plants can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, enhance focus and cognition, and provide a calming, restorative effect. Plants also encourage nurturing behavior, which can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and promote a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. Additionally, having indoor plants can improve air quality and create a more pleasant and comforting environment, benefiting overall mental health.
A new mug, on the other hand, can support emotional well-being by fostering enjoyable daily rituals. Savoring a warm beverage in a personalised or aesthetically pleasing mug can offer moments of mindfulness, comfort, and stress relief. These small, creative activities strengthen mental well-being, providing a source of joy and emotional support during potentially stressful transitions like back-to-school.
Together, a desktop garden and a new mug form part of a nurturing, supportive workspace that promotes relaxation, focus, and emotional balance. At a Gardenuity wellness event, the topic of perspective was discussed, including preparing mentally and emotionally for the new season ahead.
The back-to-school supply list has evolved over the years, now including laptops, iPhones, and shared calendars. However, Letier's suggestion reminds us that the simple pleasures of a desktop garden and a new mug can still play a significant role in our emotional well-being as we prepare for the new season.
This August, as we bid farewell to the last full month of summer, let's take a moment to celebrate what's blooming and gently prepare for what's next. The new mug is an invitation to savor, offering a daily nudge to slow down and choose presence over pace. As we embark on a new season, let's embrace these small yet meaningful rituals to support our mental and emotional well-being.
References:
[1] Gardenuity. (2021). The Benefits of Indoor Plants for Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.gardenuity.com/blogs/gardenuity-garden-life/the-benefits-of-indoor-plants-for-mental-health
[3] National Centre for Biotechnology Information. (2019). The Impact of Indoor Plants on Human Well-Being. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380805/
[4] Psychology Today. (2019). The Power of a Mug. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-now/201908/the-power-a-mug
A desktop garden, associated with the home-and-garden section, can contribute to mental and emotional well-being during the back-to-school season, improving air quality, enhancing focus, and offering moments of calm and nurturing. A new mug, belonging to lifestyle choices, can support emotional well-being by providing daily mindfulness and stress relief, offering a personalized and aesthetically pleasing way to savor warm beverages.
