Issue 19Embracing Gardening with Chronic Pain

Have you ever noticed how some plants, like hollyhock or primrose, can spread like wildfire once planted? You scatter a small handful of seeds and suddenly you’re overrun with flowers blooming in all directions, taking over the gaps in your flower bed and spreading along the garden fence, showing no signs of slowing down. Now imagine this scenario, but with the pain signals in your brain: this is Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition caused by a malfunctioning central nervous system. Essentially, the central nervous system is working double-time, leading to a wide range of symptoms including chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, extreme sensitivity to temperature changes, and sleep disturbances, to name but a few.
Since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I’ve had to modify the way in which I garden, and often times I’ve been left feeling frustrated on the days where my body will not allow me to be as active as I would like. It’s been a tough learning curve, navigating how different my life may look now, but the peace that gardening brings has helped me in accepting my diagnosis.
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Some may think that gardening and chronic illness do not mix, but the physical and mental health benefits of gardening can actually help in managing symptoms, providing you take a realistic approach and listen to your body.
Managing to GardenHere are some of the things I have learned when it comes to gardening and managing chronic pain and fatigue:

Easy does it! Try gardening in short bursts, and be careful especially on the days when you feel good, as this is when you are most likely to do too much and put yourself back into a flare.

Modify your garden to make it more accessible. For example, if you suffer from back pain, raised planting beds can be a good option so that you can sit in a chair while gardening, rather than bending over a flower bed, or kneeling on the ground.

Ask for help! Don’t be afraid to ask for some help from friends or family members, or find out if there are any fellow gardeners in your local area who could spend some time in your garden with you. I’ve never known a gardener to turn down an opportunity to get their hands dirty!

Remember to be kind to yourself. If you’re not able to do any gardening, you can just sit outside in the sunshine and pay attention to the plants, the birds, and your surroundings. Mindfulness is an excellent way to navigate pain and negative emotions.

There is a lot to be said for going outdoors and getting your hands stuck into the soil. It grounds me, helps me to be more present, and it brings a sense of happiness and contentment I’ve rarely felt doing any other activity. For anyone reading this who may suffer from chronic illness, or who lives with a disability, I hope this article serves as some proof that you are not alone.
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1Laura Frances is an editorial assistant with Scotland Grows. You can connect with her, and follow her gardening journey on Instagram @theebabygardener.Scotland Grows 19NavigationEditor's WelcomeContentsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?George Anderson PodcastHow to Save Your Garden from Holiday NeglectA Highland Garden RestorationCome and Chat About Plants advertAbsolutely Awesome AstersGarden Slopes Made SimpleAdvice for New GardenersScotland Grows TestimonialDesigning with ColourA Kaleidoscopic of CrocosmiaWhere Do Show Gardens Go?Plastic-free Gardening PodcastEmbrace the Shadiest of CornersGrow Your Business advertPropagate Free PlantsClayton's Gardening Journey BookPromoting Wellbeing Through Gardening in HMP DumfriesScotland Grows Subscription advertPop a Tree in a PotKatie Reynolds DesignCutting Garden from SeedScotland Grows Testimonial advertPreserving and Using HerbsReaders' Garden PicturesFeature Your Garden advertGet Clever in a Small Growing SpaceCultivating the Crimson GemThe Indonesian CookScotland Grows Show advertKeep Loving LettuceAn Emerging Role for Urban NatureWho Deserves Recognition in Scottish Horticulture?Join The CaleyEmbracing Gardening with Chronic Pain5 Best Houseplants to GiftScotland Grows website advertJobs AheadWhat's On In ScotlandThe Last WordNext Issue advertArchives