As I walked home from yoga this morning, I realized something. Maybe it was the afterglow of Savasana, but I finally felt good. Confession time: the last two years I’ve had two health concerns that turned out to be manageable, but not comfortable. Being uncomfortable physically was easy to deal with because I had already been in pain or limited and I found out the steps I needed to take to recover. Being uncomfortable mentally, though, was an entirely different story. Actually taking those steps and accepting that my life and the way I live it is different, is a tough pill to swallow (easier just to take the pill). So today I have another list for you, here are my top 5 ways for dealing with the uncomfortable things that happens, when life happens.
Let Go
Do you journal? I have been journalling since I was 12, and it has always been a release for me. I find I write more when I’m feeling crappy, so the fact that I’m only journalling monthly is pretty good! No matter what, writing is a way to get all your thoughts and feelings down in one place, what you do after is up to you.
Praying, meditating, talking it out with someone trustworthy, these are all great ways to accomplish the same thing. Getting things out and in the open is not only therapeutic, but freeing. I recommend letting it all go and moving onto the next tip (for a little bit) and then return with a fresher mind.
My Recommendation: Get a notebook, just for yourself, and jot down a few things every night, then close the book. Use the act of closing the notebook as a metaphor for your worries, close the door on your worries for the rest of the night.
Escape
When I think of the word escape, I think of diving head first into a thrilling novel. I wish I was more adventurous, I wish I traveled and explored, but my family and I are not in that place right now, so a good book is a great second option. Sure you can escape into a movie or television show, but a good book makes you think, can change your point of view, and just take you out of real life for a short time. Everyone deserves to treat themselves with a good story.
My Recommendation: I love a kid/teenager supernatural series. They are often innocent enough to not add more stress to yourself, but entertaining enough to keep you going. The Harry Potter series (if you are one of the few people who hasn’t read them), the Percy Jackson series, and The Hunger Games are just a few that were easy reads. For a more mature read, I recently read The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, and that kept me going.
Grow
There is soooooooo much content available for everyone today. Many things are free, like the blogs I read daily – you ladies and gents are so inspiring! Some content you may have to pay for, (I am not affiliated, but) a Craftsy class is worth it. The thing is, if you need to get out of your funk, why not get inspired?
My Recommendation: Check the list of people I follow and follow them too! I have taken 2 Free Form crochet Craftsy classes by Myra Wood that are definitely recommended. I also listen to three Podcasts that I love, A Yarn Thing with Marly Bird, Craftish with Vickie Howell, and Create and Thrive with Jess Van Den.
Move
I used to run miles upon miles, then do a bootcamp, then ride my bike home, I was even a personal trainer at a gym. It got me fit for a time, but as I got older all it did was make me hurt more and wonder “What is the point?” Then I slipped a disc and had two options, slow down and get less invasive treatment, or have surgery. Since, because of my age and the location of the slipped disc, I’d have to have a second back surgery before I turned 50, I decided the first option was better. Was it hard to slow down and still try to be active? Yes, out of habit I still wanted to do 50 crunches and run 3 miles. Am I a little mushier than I used to be? Yep, but I’ve found some peace with that too. Today I do what I can, walking, light weights and yoga.
My Recommendation: Find an activity that you like to do and do it. Consistency will bring bigger results than anything.
Create
Yes, now I will talk about crochet! Don’t forget to create as often as you have the time. My preferred medium is crochet. I mean, what hobby can you make something on the couch, in front of the TV, and what you are creating is keeping you warm? It is the perfect activity (for me). The sense of accomplishment in creating, whether it is for you or someone else, is not to be taken lightly. I personally enjoy it when I can just quietly focus on what is in my hands.
My Recommendation: What do you like to do? If food is your thing, start creating your own recipes. If you’ve always wanted to sew, try making a pillow. Create something today, and see how it changes you.
What do you do to deal with problems and the chaos that life sometimes can bring? I’d love for you to share your thoughts!
Happy Crocheting!
Nice post. I do all those things. Your list is identical to my list. Kindred spirits!
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Thanks Yolanda! So glad we think alike, it must mean I’m heading in the right direction 😊
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Love this post. I’ve been dealing with frequent migraines for the past few years and the mental aspect of dealing with them is also difficult. Not feeling like “me”. These are great tips.
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I’m sorry to hear about your migraines 🙁, anything that helps us get back to our new normal is worth trying. Don’t you agree? Thanks for your support!
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I love this. I herniated discs in my neck about 12 years ago, and have had to learn my limitations, so this resonates with me.
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Thanks Kate, I’m glad this relates to you.
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I like the ‘Move’ one this was me too, same thing, trying to get my groove back and finding yoga good for the soul 🙂
Create of course ! and i doodle a bit but i like looking at the way others create their journals. Trying to get back to doing more calligraphy and lettering, always find writing relaxing when I take my time !
Lovely post !
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Thank you! And thanks for sharing, it feels good to get one’s “groove back”!
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Yes to everything on your list! Yoga keeps me off medication for fibromyalgia and everything else keeps me sane while caring for my 3 year old!
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Great! It’s tough when you’re dealing with something like Fibromyalgia anytime, but especially when you have a little one. I hate saying I can’t do something with my 5 year old because of my back. It’s great that yoga has helped you, I know it’s helping me!
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I’m still new to WordPress, is there a way to see what blogs you follow?
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Good question! On my home page lists 50 of the latest blogs I’ve followed . There are also many great bloggers that I have followed since my beginning, check out those that commented today, they are all great!
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Thanks!
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Great post, craft is my chill out thing, I love to make!
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Same here, I’m always happier when I’m creating something! Thanks!
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Brenna, what a positive spin you are creating with your wonderful outlook. I was sick a lot as a child, and remember telling my self over and over I feel good, I feel good, even when I didn’t, but it helped me to get outside my focus on me and get back to a focus on life, which worked for my age. Your tips here are doing exactly that for adults. My mother herniated disks several times, and I can empathize, but can say for certain, that even quiet time spent with your little girl still equals love in her memory bank!
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Thanks Kathy! Anytime we can change our perspective to a positive one, is a good thing! Seems like you knew to do this even as a child- such resiliency! Thanks for telling me about your mom’s back, it’s easy to feel guilty about not doing it all, so glad the love we have shines through!
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These are some really great tips Brenna! Crochet is my go to for just about everything – when I’m feeling good, bad, sick, stressed, worried etc etc. I also love to just go outside – breath in some fresh air. I live very close to some large state forests with great hiking trails. This is really the only exercise I ever do – I’m not a go to the gym type of person. I also play video games – yeah even at my age I love to spend some time gaming! 😀
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Whatever works, I say go for it! These days crochet is my go to for relaxing, but I find I’m a more inspired crocheted when I do more of the other four!
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