Wednesday, October 25, 2006

How Do You De-Stress?

Is that even a word? I doubt it ;o) Seriously though, how do you get rid of stress? I used to 'thrive' on stress and my best work came through when I was under a great deal of pressure. I always relished the idea of waiting until the last minute to get a project or paper done and then letting that adrenaline kick in to save me. When I was hit with breast cancer in 2000, all of that changed. Stress was no longer my friend and quickly became my enemy. My body and mind didn't like the new angle that stress was attacking me and with that came many new health problems.

It doesn't take much to increase my stress level now so I have to come up with ways to keep it low. My number one method of choice is to stitch :o) I just find it so relaxing. Every night as DH and I watch television, I have a needle in my hand, working away at a project. I have to be in a pretty miserable state if I don't pick up that needle. I take my stitching with me to family functions and on vacations. It's the first thing packed or unpacked :o)

Shopping, or more specifically, stash shopping is a close second :o) The act of spending money can sure make you feel great but it can also backfire as well. That's why knowing your limits is very important. But for us die hard stitchers, we have ways to get around this ;o) Sacrifice! Sacrifice is the secret word! Take for example the fact that some of the clothes I wear are the same ones I wore in High School. I don't go out every year and buy a new wardrobe because it's just not that important to me. Okay I admit, I hold off on buying new underwear so that I can buy stash :o) Now that's sacrifice!!!!

I've tried other methods. I routinely set aside a day that I will go and get my hair done, have a bubble bath and do my own manicure and pedicure. A kind of pamper-myself-day. On Tuesday I finally got my foils done and about two inches of hair chopped off. The last time I had my hair cut was back in August, I think :oS Unfortunately this did not help to relax me so DH ran a nice hot bath with aromatic bubble bath last night. The hot water sure helped the body pain but the mind just wouldn't shut off. I guess that accounts for my early morning wake up at 2:30 am :o( I'm not one to sit and relax in a tub anyway. Of course it doesn't help when your tub is more uncomfortable than sitting on a bike seat for five hours straight!

One thing that really perks me up is getting something fun in the mail! I'm really obsessed when it comes to the mail. If I know something is coming for me, I pace the front window just waiting for the mailman to go by :o) DH thinks I'm insane but hey, he married me! Today was a great mail day because I finally got my Crescent Colours threads that I had wanted way back in September, plus a wonderful package from my MIL! After having such a fun time stitching up my Snow Lady ornament, I had told her about the kit that I had bought in Calais, Maine. Since they live not too far from the border, she went over and picked up four more of these kits for me, along with two Halloween Hanger kits!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

I have found these to be great take-a-long projects for driving in the car. It really made my day and put a smile on my face.

Isn't there a saying...it takes less facial muscles to smile than to frown :o)

5 comments:

Jenn said...

You sound like me. I stitch too when I'm watching TV. Although I'll watch TV programs with out stitching. I watch and stitch all kinds of sporting events. My DH says he knows all is right with the world if he can come into the living room and find me stitching. If I'm stresses or REALLY worried about something I won't stitch.

Shannon said...

The new kits from your MIL are just adorable ! Can't wait to see them stitched up :)

Hopefully you've de-stressed and can stay de-stressed for the rest of the week. It is amazing the effect it can have on your body. For me ? I de-stress by stitching. If I didn't have that, I'd be living in a nuthouse I'm sure.

Barb said...

Stitching is a great way to destress! I have the TV on while stitching but don't ask me what the program on the TV is about! I'm too busy concentrating on my stitching! Also I'm with you buying stash is second best!

Barb said...

I just saw your cute kits. They look like great projects for the car. Especially long rides. My family requires me to take my stitching with me on trips it's called my "shut up" piece or I'm off the wall in the car!

Unknown said...

Ooo those little kits are adorable.