Forget the to-do list and focus on #onegardenthing that gets you outside and maybe gives you a sense of achievement, or a sense of joy, or just allows you to feel sun, wind, or rain on your face. Focussing on one thing may just be enough for today.
So set your watch or phone for 15 minutes and choose one thing to get you outside.
Step outside first thing with a hot drink. Feel the cool air, notice the light changing, and enjoy the peaceful start of a new day in your garden. This mindful moment can lower stress and improve mental clarity, setting a positive tone for your day.
Weeds love spring’s warmth, but so do gardeners! Take 15 minutes to pull a few out by hand or with a hoe. Focus on one small patch and feel the satisfaction of instant improvement. As you pull weeds, you’ll be physically active, improving flexibility and circulation, and the repetitive task helps your mind unwind.
Whether it’s wildflowers, sunflowers, or a windowsill tray of basil, sowing seeds is simple, quick, and filled with promise. The act of sowing is deeply symbolic, reminding you of growth and renewal, and the anticipation of watching those seeds sprout can spark joy.
Grab a tray of brightly coloured bedding plants or aromatic herbs from your local nursery and spend 15 minutes adding splashes of colour or greenery to your garden. Planting is an act of hope, connecting you to the future while engaging your hands and body in the present. The act of nurturing a plant can also reduce stress and increase feelings of calm.
If spring bulbs have finished flowering, take a walk around the garden and nip off the spent flower heads between your finger and thumb. The bulb will thank you for helping to conserve its energy, the garden will look tidier, and you will feel a real sense of achievement in just a quarter of an hour.
Focus on #onegardenthing to lose yourself in for 15 minutes - it will do you the world of good!