Plants: Beyond The Beauty

 When I was younger I remember being told to go outside and put our feet in the grass if we was feeling down. Even during times when we we're physically ill, she would sometimes tell us to go lay in the sun. I remember my grandmother saying we all need to spend time in nature.             I remember thinking my grandmother was nuts! How could any of this help?  Well, it turns out the old lady wasn't crazy! In recent years scientist have been able to link the benefits of gardening and mental health. 

  Have you ever heard the term "Earthing"? Well in case you haven't, Earthing (or Grounding as some people call it) is the act of making direct skin contact with the Earth. The idea is  when we connect our bodies to the Earth, it can help improve both physical as well as mental healing.

  One link scientist have been able to make is the presence of Mycobacterium Vaccae in soil.  Mycobacterium Vaccaeis a bacteria that lives in soil and when absorbed through the skin,  it is known to increase the production of serotonin. Serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, acts as a hormone or neurotransmitter that controls our moods. Having a healthy level of serotonin not only helps boost our moods but also help regulate our sleep, digestion and much more! 

  So now that we've got some of the science out of the way. Let's talk about the ways plants have helped me deal with this thing called life, and how they can help you get through it as well.

  Like most people, 2020 was a wild time for me and my family! It was a very conflicting year. It was a year of loss, fear, anxiety, sadness, and confusion. Despite all of the terrible things that happened that year, all of the amazing people we lost, I also found a sense of peace. I know, I know, how can I find peace in such a chaotic time? Well, before I explain how I found peace in all the chaos, let me share with you my life before March 13, 2020. In 2017, I became a foster mom to my brother's kids. It was a lot to go from having 2 children to 5! Between working full time, school, sports, and adjusting to a new home life, to say I was overwhelmed would be a understatement. When COVID-19 caused the world to shut down, I wasn't sure what to feel. Like everyone around me, the fear of the unknown caused an extreme amount of anxiety. I desperately needed something to help center myself. Before Covid, I had a few plants here and there, mainly for aesthetic purposes. I loved the way they made my home look and feel. They gave me a sense of "home" as I grew up surrounded by greenery. So when the world forced us all to slow down, like a lot of people I started to explore ways to help calm MY world. I remember the weather being so beautiful that year. I started to spend more time on my patio. During my store runs, I would stop for dog food at my local feed and seed store. I found myself wandering off into the garden center every chance I got. It's like the sun shined brighter in that area and the air was so crisp. Each time I stopped, I came home with a new plant (or 3)! Quickly my home became my own private oasis! It was something about being surrounded by beautiful plants that gave me a sense of calmness. 

  By May of 2020, I finally got into the groove of working from home while my kids did virtual school. Life outside of my home was still very chaotic, but we were adjusting well to being at home. We started to develop new routines and exploring new hobbies. Life inside my home was becoming more calm and simple as we found ways to navigate the new world. 

  On the morning of May 25, 2020, I remember taking a quick break for coffee when I witnessed the most devastating video I've ever seen. Once again the entire world seemed to stopped while I watched the murder of George Floyd. Within that moment, the mirage of my perfect little oasis was gone. As I watched the news jump between George Floyd, people rioting, and Covid numbers skyrocketing, my anxiety returned 10x stronger. Once again I found myself with an overwhelming sense of fear. I remember one Saturday morning after staying up all night switching news channels, I decided to give myself s break from everything. I noticed a few of my plants needed some attention so I grabbed my airpods turned on some music and dug into my plants. By the time I checked the time, hours had past and I felt at peace. The following day, I asked my children to come out and help me with my outdoor gardens. We laughed and played in the dirt the entire day! On that day, I finally understood what my grandmothers were teaching me. It was something about being outside smelling the fresh air, soaking up some sun, and tending to natures gifts that made me understand the true meaning of being grounded. It was at this time I understood why we all from time to time need to go out and touch some grass.