UPMC Shadyside Family Medicine - Art and Garden 2021

Wednesday May 26th, 2021 during one of our Wellbeing Wednesday’s, we planned a gardening session for the residents. The purpose of the program was to spend time getting outside with one another while everyone got to paint and then plant their own pot and fill with flowers and herbs

Results/Outcome Survey
1. What was the general understanding of the purpose of the project/program by participants?
Every Wednesday afternoon, our residency program has protected didactic lecture time and ten times per year we focus on Wellbeing. On Wednesday May 26th, 2021 during one of our Wellbeing Wednesday’s, we planned a gardening session for the residents. The purpose of the program was to spend time getting outside with one another while everyone got to paint and then plant their own pot and fill with flowers and herbs. As a group we also discussed the impact of climate change on public health and why this topic matters to us as physicians. It was a great opportunity to unwind and do something new together and reflect on the year and our growth, while also thinking about our role in reducing health care disparities surrounding climate change. Every resident got to take their potted plant home afterwards and continue to care for them. 

2. During the project/program, what tangible tools or strategies were demonstrated or taught (i.e, coping skills for wellness and life balance)?
The importance of taking time for wellness and self-care was demonstrated during our program. Even when things are very busy, taking time to do something you enjoy or trying a new activity is beneficial. Even though many of the residents had not done much previous gardening, they were interested to learn about the different types of flowers and herbs and how to care for them. Everyone got to take their own plant home and continue to nurture and sustain it. 

3. What word(s) best describes how you feel when you are experiencing stress or well-being imbalance?
When I do not take time for wellbeing or having a good work life balance, I feel very anxious. I also am more irritable and impatient. This manifests in poor sleeping and exercise habits and becomes a unhealthy cycle.

4. What suggestions do you have to increase the probability of success for the project/program for other institutions?
I suggest talking with the residents at the institution to get an idea of topics or subjects they are interested in as a good place to start. Then planning the event at a time that will be doable for them. Doing the activity during our already scheduled didactics time made it possible for many residents to be present. 

5. What do you intend to do, upon returning to work, that you learned and practiced during the activity, that will improve your response to stressful situations?
I will make more time for wellness activities, even if it is just for 30 minutes or an hour. Even a short time to do something for myself or try something new can help me reset and better focus. Even when it feels like I don’t have time for self-care, taking the short amount of time can really make a big difference and actually helps me be more productive in the long run.