Apparently not.
I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. By “lately” I mean since early summer. By “a lot” I mean I’m crying daily…multiple times a day.
Two days ago I found an interesting blog “Confessions of a Pioneer Woman” and I’ve been enjoying escaping to her world of cows, horses and good food. Her blog is about a lot more than that – and she’s a homeschooler!
Today my blog reader said she had a new post – but it wasn’t written by her so I wasn’t sure I’d take the time. But then I did. Her mom wrote about breathing. I started it with the thought that it was going to be new-age fluff…and maybe it is in part. But I realized that the end result was exactly what I get when I pick up my knitting needles and knit.
During all this stress, I’ve let things I enjoy fall away as I focus on things that are urgent and immediate needs. So, I’ve avoided some of my coping mechanisms – the very things that help me. Well, no more. I can’t continue like this.
I may not be able to stop the craziness, but I can carve out a bit of daily peace and quiet. I’m committing to do that for myself. You all are my witnesses! 😉
*Knit, breathe, Purl, breathe, rep from * until you feel better!
Sounds like you need a playdate. 🙂 Let’s craft!
Um, Amy! Why do you not tell us that you are feeling this way? I know it’s hard to admit. But we all understand – maybe not what you are going through, but being overwhelmed, sad, frustrated, overworked… fill in the blank!
The more stressed I get, the more problems I have with breathing and I have to watch it because when I am in this brown aired city (which is most of the time) my asthma is unpredictable. Breathing effects a lot of parts in your body and new agers may apply whatever philosophy they want to it, but the truth is God first breathed into us to give us life! Shallow breathing/holding your breath/rapid breathing all deplete your body of oxygen and kick in hormonal stress mechanisms (like your flight or fight tendencies) and that does effect your heart, blood pressure, ability to think clearly, ability to rest properly and your immune system. Lately I have been having to be really conscious of this. I sometimes don’t realize how stressed I am until my chest is tight and I feel the need for an inhaler! Instead of “visualizing” or other such techniques, I pray and focus on letting the things that are stressing me go to God. Sometimes i am too stressed to let it go even. But breathing is sort of important, so I keep trying! :o)
And Ree’s blog is a hoot. I dont’ necessarily agree with her philosophy on things but she does give me comic relief and I enjoy her creativity. I’ve been reading her for a couple years now and she’s on my “check daily” list! (so are you!)
Sounds like a good plan. Feel free to add, “sip tea” and “nibble good chocolate” to the list. And, the Childbeirth Educator in me wants to remind you not to forget an occaisional “deep cleansing breath” as well as to breathe slowly and deeply in general.
I can spend hours trying to get ahead on my psychology readings for the semester, but I try to set aside enough time each day to at least watch a movie or play a video game. A person can go crazy without some entertainment and relaxation!
I’m sorry you’ve been having a rough time. 🙁 … Wish I could help.
(((((HUGS)))))
Cool website and reminder to chill out regularly. 🙂