Mindfulness.......maybe

[Enfys]

As some of you know, we have had a tough year with DHs health and sometimes I find it a real struggle to keep positive and upbeat. I was reading an article recently about how crafting, knitting etc can be a real help in taking your mind away from any problems and helping you to relax and calm your thoughts. Coincidently, I rediscovered knitting a few months ago, although I have been crocheting for a few years now and I find the mindless action of using wool and needles so soothing and has helped me a lot. I wondered why I was feeling relatively ok about things that were going on and have realised that, when I’m sitting quietly creating something it really helps. This is just one of many articles which explains it quite well. I’m not saying everyone should take up knitting, but maybe the simple act of creating something, anything, could prove helpful. Even doodling or colouring in has become popular in helping people cope with depression, anxiety etc. Just a thought.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/...ce-depression/

[Oma]

Enfys your right . When B was really ill and I was sitting in Hospital wards for hours on end and he was sleeping , I bought a Adult colouring book and some pens
I spent many a hour on it letting my mind drift

[Nana]

Thanks for the link Enfys. Really interesting. I think that's why I like making art & craft as I loose myself in the 'zone'. One of my favourite things is to make order from chaos. To start with all the materials & then put something together making a finished article pleases me no end.

As I have arthritis in my hands my dr said that knitting was a really good exercise too. I think the satisfaction I get from giving people something I've made adds to the feel good factor.

When I saw your title, 'Mindfulness.....maybe' I thought you were going to talk about Mindfulness therapy. Do you know anything about it? I'm really glad you're helped by crafting.

Oma DD1 does the same.😊

[Nanto2girls]

Enfys,if being creative helps you,go for it.

[Enfys]

Nana, it’s sort of linked to mindfulness.......concentrating on something ‘in the moment’ and trying to make the most of whatever makes you feel good.

I have just bought a book called “The Wild Remedy” which is like a nature diary, written by someone who suffers from depression, especially SAD. She takes each month and writes about what she has seen and discovered whilst she has been out and about. I’ve only glanced through it but it looks lovely, She has illustrated it with beautiful pictures and little drawings and I’m very tempted to keep a nature diary myself. Even just walking around the garden and finding different things to look at makes me feel good.

I am trying hard to work on my mental health as well as the physical as I’ve come to realise that I have to keep strong for both of us, as who knows what is to come. Sounds a bit deep, but it’s just a case of finding things that help you feel happy. 🌞.

[Mimi]

Nana I have done knitting before now, you are right just the simple action of knitting one row after another is rather calming

Oma I have adult colouring books DIL brought for me a few Christmas ago and I have just spent part of the afternoon attempting to do an impossible jig saw that OH brought for me last Christmas. It’s a country scene with a lorry winding it’s way along the country road, who knew that there could be so many shades of green .

Enfys anything that helps relax the mind is bound to be good for you and P , if you are more relaxed it might rub off on him , it can only do good.

[Plantaholic]

It is a very long time since I did a jigsaw, I think I have a board OH bought me probably in the loft. At times I have found knitting makes me a bit tense .

[WeeGranny]

The calming influence of knitting soon disappears when I discover I've made a mistake several rows back and I have to unpick it !!! I knitted an upside down cardigan and OH found it highly amusing when there was a loud sigh( or curse) when I realised I'd gone wrong! Didn't help that the pattern wasn't an English one ( think it was American). However, I did get it finished and it looks very nice! At the moment it's a plain and simple stocking stitch blanket......in blocks of colour, so just have to untangle the balls of wool as I go along.

Have just read reviews of that book Enfys and the pictures and sketches look lovely.

[Enfys]

Been there and done that WG 🤯.

[Qwerty]

I can’t sew or knit but have several mindfulness apps all they do is make me sleepy guess that’s the general idea anyway to relax you

[Daisy]

Enfys - I'm glad you've almost by accident found something to help you diffuse your stress and worries. I'm more in Wee Granny's camp - I'm told I knit with my face! Nothing relaxing about that. But the really important thing is to find something whether it's knitting, other creative activities or even sweeping the patio that absorbs us and allows us to put problems on the back burner.

I find that going out into the forest to take photos does it for me. I lose track of time, step in bogs and even quite literally get lost, but I concentrate solely on what I'm doing and forget about everything else.

[Enfys]

That’s exactly it, Daisy. Anything that takes you somewhere else, away from any troubles even for a short time. Reading does it for me too.

[Daisy]

Reading's good for me as well - especially this weather when you don't want to be outside.

[Grauntie Mag]

I have just started hand embroidery again, (or embuggery as my maiden aunt would call it. 😁) Can’t concentrate on a jigsaw, I have done the edges and now it is shoved under the desk in the study. It didn’t help that the cat would sit in the middle of the board when ever it came out.🙄
Loving the embroidery though. I love to knit but I have never managed to make anything that fitted!

[Nana]

"I knit with my face"......Daisy???😂🤣🤔

An upside down garment....surely this would be leggings?😉

I think my OH's 'zone' is when he uses the pressure washer on the paving slabs