Health Benefits of Needlework

Do you feel like that little ant, always racing around, trying to cover all bases?

Would you love to find an easy and playful way to rid yourself of this stressful feeling and give yourself permission to relax? There is a way . . .

It’s called a HOBBY!

Our children do it all the time. They haven’t yet been damaged by the “rules” we have set for ourselves. Children have not experienced adult-level stressors in their lives and are encouraged to spend free time as play time. In today’s world the value of play has been diminished and the focus has become survival in a busy world, and it’s not healthy!

“Alex” Caroline Robboy, founder of the Center for Growth Inc., says “Anxiety can be thought of as an accumulation of stress that builds up in our minds and bodies, creating a host of unwanted symptoms which only perpetuate the cycle. Releasing this stress before it becomes anxiety is the secret to stopping the cycle … There are a myriad of methods for doing this, any which might work for you, but a simple, common technique involves repetitive motion. Using repetitive motion as a way of releasing your anxiety is easy and effective.” She goes on to say, “Repetitive motion works in several ways. One is that it redirects our mental and physical focus away from the anxiety-inducing stimuli. When we engage in the repeated actions, after a short while our minds slip easily from the conscious, active, aggravated state to a subconscious, passive, calming state.” Examples: needlework, gardening, bicycling, walking, reading, etc.

Hobbies, as they create relaxation, basically serve the same function as a vacation . . . they are a way to refuel your body and mind. And, when we have a hobby, we don’t have to wait for the “vacation” to happen . . . we refuel constantly whether we are aware of it or not.

The most important thing in choosing a hobby is to do something you love. It must excite you – something you look forward to. It may fall into the category of “repeated actions” or it may not. Most important, it must be so exciting that you will make time for it.

There are hundreds – maybe even thousands to choose from. Even if the one you choose sounds crazy to you, there most likely are many who are already doing it. Research the Web, think about something you loved as a child or something that really excites you.

It could be something you can’t do every day . . . but you must think about it, plan for your next engagement with it, etc., every day. It will move your mind from stress to anticipation and pleasure . . . and away from the known dangers caused by stress.

I wish you success in finding a hobby that is just right for you. I did, and it’s been a blessing for me in so many ways!