Stress Relief

Moving to a foreign country, becoming a teacher, becoming a co-director, having extreme days of highs and lows, and many other things have caused me to have a bit of a high stress level than I was used to. I know you are all surprised by that right, hahaha. I have tried to deal with my stress through over-sleeping, over-eating, not managing my anger properly and other such non-effective ways of handling stress.

Last month I went to the doctor because I had a ton of red itchy spots all over my chest, back, armpits, and stomach. The doctor told me that I have eczema. I find that odd as I have never had this diagnosis before and I thought it was something that was more of an issue while young and something most kids grow out of. The doctor gave me a shot and a prescription for a cream I can use. He told me that there is nothing that is known that causes it or that will make it go away but I should take a multivitamin, use a daily moisturizer, and reduce my stress (I almost laughed out loud at the last part).


My front yard before

 So...In an attempt to reduce my stress, the kids and I have started a new project. Something I have been missing for 1 1/2 years and been wanting to find a way to get back into. Since we have recently moved to a new spot on campus, I have made a vegetable garden for us. For most people that may sound crazy as a stress reducer, but I have been gardening for almost 5 years and there is something about digging in the dirt and pulling weeds and then harvesting produce that makes me forget about my troubles. And it is small enough that it will not be too much of a burden.


Adding a raised bed and then squaring it for planting



The kids are helping to plant the cabbage which was donated by one of our maintenance staff



Happy little planters after they planted and watered the cabbage



Finished with planting, we are trying spinach and sweet peas in the second bed

So, here is to happy, stress reducing gardening :)
Anita