The Penn Medicine Experience Standards guide all of us to “Be Present” in our interactions with patients, visitors, and colleagues alike. Truly being present allows us to gain insight into others’ unique needs, offer more effective solutions, and establish relationships built on trust and respect. Easy enough, right? What many of us forget, however, is that in order to be at our best for our patients and peers at work and our family and friends at home, we need to take time for ourselves.
The practice of self-care is essential to maintain balance in our lives, especially during periods of stress. It’s important to find a space away from your work environment where you can focus on your mental, emotional, and physical health, even for just 15 minutes. This month, PPMC is excited to introduce a new Wellness Garden, located behind Scheie and the Café, in an effort to support staff as they develop their own self-care routines.
This multi-use outdoor space provides an area for staff to recharge, as well as a place for our residential SNF and Addictions Treatment patients to practice recreational therapy. PPMC partnered with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to design the garden hardscape and plantings. The café patio tables are covered with shade sails, and three wooden pergolas were created as private nooks for benches. Brightly colored Adirondack chairs and a permanent bench seat built into the garden bank are also perfect spots to relax. Staff can engage in some friendly corn hole competition, and raised planters will hold blooming plants to be tended to as part of the skilled and recreational therapy programs.
For staff hoping to reenergize, a fitness loop designed by GSPP therapists crosses through the garden. The path is divided into four color blocks specific to programs ranging from high intensity interval training to dynamic stretching drills. Whether you’re a fitness novice or an exercise expert, cards outlining suggested routines are available so you can make the most of your time in the garden.
And this is just the beginning! We look forward to growing our wellness spaces, and I encourage everyone to take time this summer to enjoy the new garden and to commit to a routine of self-care at work and at home.