The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley has developed a Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus.

One of their Six Daily Questions is “How am I getting outside today?”

Many people are choosing gardening as a way to get some fresh air and here are a few tips for enjoying your garden projects this season:

• Don’t stop thinking about ergonomics when you step away from the computer at the end of the day: Use raised beds, a portable garden stool, or cushions to work comfortably without having to stoop or bend for long periods. Get up frequently to stretch and adjust your posture.
• Inspect your tools carefully before you use them, especially if they’ve been in storage for a while. Rusty or dull tools can lead to injury.
• If you need to replace any tools, look at ergonomic options, with grips designed to reduce wrist strain or telescoping handles to extend your reach.
• Gardening gloves can protect your hands from fatigue, spider and insect bites, and irritating plants.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days – damaging UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. As the weather warms up, stay hydrated and be mindful of heat illness.
• If you find used motor oil, old paint, or other household hazardous waste while cleaning out the garage or toolshed, store it safely until you can dispose of it properly. Public hours for your local waste management services may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so call ahead for updates.