Gardening Smarter, Not Harder: Using the 4 P’s to Conserve your Energy

Welcome back to another article, readers! This month, we’ll talk about energy conservation and explore some practical strategies to help you enjoy your yard without constantly overdoing it.

The “overdoing it” happens to the best of us. One moment you’re heading outside for a quick lawn mow, and the next thing you know, you’ve spent four hours bent over dethatching the lawn. Before long, the sun is setting, your physical energy battery is completely depleted, your feet ache, and you wake up the next morning with what feels like a 2×4 for a lower back (…yes, even physiotherapists get the occasional bout of back pain).

If this sounds all too familiar, stick around to learn about the 4 P’s of energy conservation. My hope is that these strategies can help you tackle yard work throughout the summer without reaching the point of overdoing it.

First, let’s set the scene. Picture your body’s energy like the battery on your phone. Throughout the day, every activity uses some of that battery power. Simple tasks may only drain a small amount, while more demanding activities (such as raking, digging, mowing, hauling things) can cause the battery to drain much faster. Working in the heat can also increase the demand on your body’s battery. And, just as an older phone battery may not hold a charge as well, our energy reserves can be lower as we age or when we are managing illness, injury, or chronic health conditions. Energy conservation strategies can help you use your “battery” more efficiently so that you can stay active longer without completely running out of charge.

So, what are the 4 P’s, you ask?

#1 Prioritize.
It’s exactly as it sounds. Decide which yard work tasks are most important and focus your energy on those first. Consider what needs to be done today and what can wait for another day. This helps you get those important to-do’s checked off, while still having energy left for the activities that matter most to you (like having enough oomph to enjoy your evening walk).

#2 Plan.
This tip involves a little organization. Take a few moments to think about your tasks before you begin.

Gather tools and supplies in advance, break larger jobs into smaller chunks, and aim to work outside during cooler times of the day. A little planning can reduce unnecessary trips (whether that’s into town or simply back and forth to the garden shed), as well as minimize lifting and physical effort.

#3 Pace.
This is often the most difficult one for many of us (myself included). Think of pacing as resisting the temptation to do everything at once. Try not to get caught in the spiral of “just one… more thing.

Alternate heavier tasks with lighter ones, take regular rest breaks, and stop before you become drained.

Pacing yourself helps you manage fatigue, allows you to accomplish more over time (who would have thought, huh?) and can reduce your risk of injury and strain.

#4 Position.
A simple one, but often overlooked. Position your body and use tools that reduce strain. If you know a certain position tends to aggravate your body, think about ways to modify it. This might look like working at waist height, using long handled tools to limit bending, sitting on a garden stool for low tasks, and keeping tools within easy reach.

Implementing a few simple energy conservation techniques can go a long way. By prioritizing, planning, pacing, and positioning, I hope you can enjoy your yard while reducing fatigue, minimizing aches and pains, and avoiding the dreaded “yard work hangover” the next day. From all of the staff at Bragg Creek Physiotherapy, we wish you a lovely summer and many enjoyable hours spent outdoors.

Bre Maughan
Registered Physiotherapist (MScPT, BScKin)
Bragg Creek Physiotherapy
www.braggcreekphysio.com