Top tip
When planning a gardening task, if any job seems too much, ask a friend or professional for help. Leave the enjoyable jobs for yourself!
When gardening is comfortable to do, it can become even more enjoyable. Before getting going, think about:
Check you have everything you need before you begin and that it's suited for you:
One simple thing I find important is remembering to tie my hair back! It makes such a difference when gardening, otherwise I have to keep pushing my hair away from my face.
Lizzie, home gardener
Getting your body ready can be as important as having the right tools!
I stretch for 25minutes each morning. My routine includes hand and finger mobility to help my grip and shoulder exercises.
Survey respondent, gardener with arthritis
Thinking about how you will use your time in the garden can help make it more enjoyable and comfortable:
I have some slow days with sudden loss of energy. There's the old saying that gardens need a good dose of looking at and some days, that's all I do to them.
Mike, Thrive volunteer
When planning a gardening task, if any job seems too much, ask a friend or professional for help. Leave the enjoyable jobs for yourself!
You are now ready to enjoy your garden space and opportunities for wellbeing it provides!