Digging Deeper: A Social Friday in Skopje That Planted More Than Just Seeds
When the team from Breon joined the Social Friday movement in Skopje, North Macedonia, they didn’t just show up. They brought the Friday Force and helped something meaningful take root. Hosted at the vibrant Community Garden Bostanie, their afternoon of volunteering turned into a feel-good experience filled with connection, growth, and a powerful reminder that doing good is also good for us.
Meet the Team Behind the Magic
Say hello to Maja and Elife, two dedicated teammates who turned an ordinary Friday into something extraordinary. With open minds and willing hands, they explored the world of urban gardening and walked away feeling more connected to nature, to each other, and to themselves.
Their soundtrack for the day? “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. Perfect picks for a day filled with energy, joy, and purpose.
More Than Just a Garden
Studies show that volunteering boosts mental well-being by reducing stress, increasing happiness, and strengthening our sense of purpose. According to the UK’s National Health Service, people who volunteer regularly report higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression. When you combine that with gardening, the benefits multiply.
Working with plants has been linked to lower cortisol levels, improved mood, and even reduced blood pressure. Just 30 minutes in the garden can leave a lasting calming effect.
Gardening also offers something deeper. The quiet rhythm, the connection to living things, and the focused attention it requires create a natural pause. It slows the pace and anchors us in the present moment. With hands in the soil, distractions fade and something else rises in their place — clarity, calm, and care.
That is exactly what Maja, Elife, and their teammate felt during their Social Friday.
MVPs, Garden Jokes, and One Very Playful Cat
Every great day has its moments. For Maja, the MVP was Elife, who showed incredible energy and commitment. Elife gave that credit right back to Maja, recognizing her for organizing and guiding the experience from start to finish.
As for surprises, the garden had its own charm. A local gardener greeted the group with a very serious face and said, “You’re supposed to walk barefoot here, you know.” The team froze for a second. Then they realized it was a clever icebreaker. It worked.
And then there was the cat. According to Maja, it was the most playful cat she had ever seen. Sadly, no one managed to capture it on camera, but it certainly made its mark on the day.
Hands in the Dirt, Heads in a Better Place
The Breon team didn’t just plant over 15 new greens. They planted joy, awareness, and a sense of presence.
Together, they contributed around 20 hours of volunteering, including preparation. They learned how to care for plants, spent time outdoors, and experienced what researchers keep proving, that meaningful activity combined with social interaction is a powerful antidote to stress and disconnection.
“With no prior knowledge in this field,” said Elife, “I was genuinely surprised by how much there is to learn about plants and their care.”
“I even forgot my phone,” she added with a laugh. “Which never happens.” Thankfully, a teammate brought it back to her later.
Those little moments, where time slows and everyday worries fade, are exactly what makes Social Friday so refreshing.
One Word to Describe It All
Maja: Connected
Elife: Grounded and alive
Two simple words that speak volumes. Words backed by research showing that people who feel connected to others tend to experience greater happiness, better health, and more resilience in daily life.
Would They Do It Again?
Yes, without a doubt.
Maja said she would love to improve a few things for next time, like starting preparations earlier and defining roles more clearly. Elife wouldn’t change a thing. Both agreed it was one of the most rewarding ways to spend a Friday.
Passing the Energy Forward
Now the Friday Force is ready to pass it on.
“Calling Bjarke Ingels Group, don’t let us be the only ones showing up for Social Friday. Let’s see what a big day of giving back looks like,” said Maja.
Elife added, “Hey Tetovo, it’s your turn to do something great for the community.”
Final Thoughts
From playful pranks to peaceful moments, from teamwork to garden discoveries, this Social Friday in Skopje was more than just a volunteer event. It was a mental well-being boost wrapped in fresh air, laughter, and purpose. It reminded us that taking care of ourselves doesn’t always require long vacations or major life changes. Sometimes, it begins with a garden, a few kind people, and a Friday afternoon spent doing something that matters.
Want to feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled?
Start with your next Friday. Because when we give a little, we grow a lot.
