Thanks for joining us in this place of encouragement and inspiration, A few things you should know: You are loved and complete just the way you are AND you can make small changes in your life to find wellbeing in mind, body and spirit
My sister is awesome. In a family of extroverts, she always provides this introvert with a quiet place to stay and a jigsaw puzzle ready to be tackled whenever I visit. Something about the focus and creativity of a puzzle helps quiet my brain before or after whatever drama my visits entail.
Puzzle of peace
A few years ago, I received a paint by numbers kit as a birthday present. I was skeptical but when I finally got around to trying it, I was amazed at the sense of quiet and peace in my mind as the picture slowly took shape. When I was a kid, my grandmother taught me how to knit and although I have fond memories of that time together, that habit never stuck. I took my turns with latch hooking, needlepoint, boondoggle (ask me about my expertise in my YMCA camp), and other various crafts. I always ask my clients what kind of hobbies they enjoy. They are proud to show me their woodworking shop, gardens, knitting projects and puzzle tables. I am convinced that these “granny” hobbies are large component of daily purpose, happiness, and overall mental health. They are also one of few accessible and active antidotes to digital overload.
Studies have found that a whole range of hands-on activities — such as knitting, gardening and coloring — are associated with cognitive and emotional benefits, including improvements in memory and attention, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. It could be the rhythm and repetition or the focus on a pleasurable activity, putting the mind in a flow state like meditation.
My first attempt with paint-by-numbers
Which “granny hobbies” have you tried? Here are some suggestions: quilting, birdwatching, puzzling, candle making, gardening, genealogy, cooking, calligraphy, knitting, birdwatching, craft class, photography, woodworking, pottery or ceramics, drawing, flower art, board or card games, coloring, leather work, scrapbooking, sewing, reading, journaling, coin collecting, needlepoint, baking, crafting, and painting.
Try > Pick one granny hobby for meditative creation and one for mild exertion. Bonus points if they get you outdoors or socializing with friends. Oh, and wear the comfiest clothes you have, ideally a colorful and mildly tacky sweater. I just received a new paint by number in the mail. Send a picture of whatever you create!
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Wishing you well,
-Trish
Resources–
Your own creativity and time!