The Power of Recreation

As we age, it becomes super important to engage in activities that not only support our bodies but also our minds. Recreation isn’t just a way to pass time; it’s an important component of living a long, healthy, and vibrant life.

I’m sharing a delightful recreational experience I had at a local farm, where I went to buy herbs for my mini herb Tub – a project I’ve been wanting to delve into since I moved into my house eleven years ago. I finally decided to follow through with it after seeing a gardener on Instagram create the exact tub I had in mind.

Why Recreation Matters

Recreational activities, whether it’s gardening, painting, rafting, chess, kayaking or handicraft help reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase physical activity, all of which are supportive for the aging body. Most importantly, they will bring you a sense of joy. Engaging regularly in these types of activities can boost your mood, enhance your physical health, and sharpen your brain function, contributing to a longer, vibrant life.

What Recreation Looks Like for Me

Recently, I took a trip to a charming local farm, which love doing in spring and summer. As I strolled through the rows of lush plants, I was reminded of how deeply connected to nature we are and how this connection can rejuvenate our spirits. Being out in the open fields and air definitely brings me joy.

I was there with a simple mission—to handpick various herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. I mean who doesn’t love the smell of herbs and using them to enhance flavors in their food? Herbs not only flavors food but also offers numerous health benefits, from improving digestion to boosting brain function to supporting hormone health. So growing them for myself is a plus.

Creating My Mini Herb Tub

This project was perfect for me and will be for those who do not have a large garden space but still want to grow their own herbs. It’s very simple, satisfying, and a wonderful way to bring the essence of the farm into your home. I brought it right onto my back yard deck.

Tips for Starting Your Own Herb Garden

1. Choose the Right Herbs: Start with herbs that you love to use in your cooking or for their medicinal properties. I bought basil, thyme, mint, basil, rosemary and dill.
2. Select the Right Container: Make sure your container has good drainage. Herb roots don’t like to be waterlogged. I used this wonderful silver tub and drilled some holes. You can find it here. I followed the tutorial from @gardenaryco
3. Use Good Quality Soil: Herbs thrive in well-draining soil. Consider mixing in some compost to enrich the soil. I got all of my soil and compost mix from the same farm I bought the herbs.
4. Provide enough Light: Herbs need about six hours of sunlight per day, so place them in a sunny spot. I keep my tub on the deck so it gets adequate amount of sun daily.
5. Water Regularly: I’m told that herbs don’t like soggy roots, but they do need consistent moisture. Check the soil and water when it feels dry to the touch. We had a lot of rain recently, so I had to bring them into the kitchen a few days.

If you’re interested, click on my Instagram link, where I tagged the woman I got the tutorial: @Gardenaryco

Final thoughts

Recreation is a great way to keep your body and mind engaged. It’s a great source of joy and excitement. The rewards and benefits are worth it. The beauty of aging isn’t just in living longer but living fuller, by creating experiences that celebrate your health and happiness. If you are someone who’s seeking inspiration and wanting to amp up recreation in your life as you age, It’s never too late to start something new or pick up something you used to do and love. Make a list and start with the activities that feel doable and fun. Find a friend who’s in to recreation as well. Two is sometimes better than one. You deserve it. So go get it. Happy recreating.