My third week back at work after enjoying three short months of maternity leave, I am full of mixed emotions. I love my job, and being a new mom, but my stress level is at an all-time high. As a senior project manager in a fast-paced IT firm, the relentless deadlines, client opportunities, client demands, and the pressure to perform are ever-present. Along with the emotions of missing my baby and the little pleasures that come along with a newborn. My once enthusiastic approach to work was dwindling into a daily struggle to survive. That was until a simple yet transformative addition to my desk brought me moments of mindfulness – my desktop garden.
My garden is the gift that is going beyond. Every morning while my system is logging in I take a few seconds to mist my garden, take a deep breath, and relish in all of my blessings. Not a bad way to step into the day!
I have always been a top performer, but the increasing workload at home and work began to take its toll. My days started with a rush of anxiety, and nights were busy with a newborn. Like many new moms, I felt trapped in a cycle of stress and exhaustion.
My boss gifted me a desktop garden, it was waiting for me on my first day back to the office. The team had been part of a wellness gardening event while I was out on leave. Knowing the many benefits of how a plant on your desk can reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and boost your overall mood I was happy to get my garden growing.
When I set up the garden (which took all of 15 minutes) I realized I was actually relaxed. I thought about something I had heard, “Plants have tomorrow already built in”, this quote kept going through my head as I was immersed in the soil, and getting the plants settled into their new home.
Over the following weeks, my desktop garden became an integral part of my daily routine. Each morning, I spent a few moments tending to the plants, checking their soil, and admiring their growth. This simple ritual became a sanctuary—a moment of peace before the chaos of the workday began.
To my surprise, I noticed subtle changes in my mood and level of gratitude. The stress that once seemed insurmountable now felt more manageable. With their resilient growth, the plants became a metaphor for my ability to thrive under pressure. My concentration improved, and I found myself tackling tasks with renewed energy and creativity.
The benefits of my little desktop garden extended beyond the office. The practice of caring for these plants instilled a sense of mindfulness that permeated my home life. I was more relaxed, I found myself taking more time for myself and just enjoying all that I was grateful for.
___________
Amy’s journey from stress to serenity through the introduction of a desktop garden is a testament to the profound impact that nature, even in its smallest forms, can have on our well-being. In a world that often feels overwhelming, her personal story reminds us that sometimes, the smallest changes can lead to the most significant transformations. Amy, Thanks for sharing your story and picture of your garden.
Growing together,
Gardenuity
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