Up until November, we were busy caregiving for an elderly, demanding (and somewhat abusive) parent. Rest? What was that? Learning to rest and genuinely relax is something I’ve been having to reteach myself this year. I’ve discovered one of my favorite things is to pick up some knitting where I don’t need to look at the pattern, put on an audiobook and knit. The combo of the movment of the needles and the words in my years (cozy mysteries preferred) lets me shut out the word and engage me enough that my mind doesn’t wander off to all the things I “should” be doing. At the same time, it is soothing and mindless enough that my mind and body can rest. Yes, I have fallen asleep with needles in hand and book still playing. Comfort viewing works as well, and with September on the horizon, it’s almost time to do my annual viewing of Practical Magic.
Reading helps, if it’s a book which engages me. If I get truly restless and don’t feel like going for a walk, I might sit down at the computer and do some writing. Not whatever my current project is, but something for fun, usually fanfic of some kind. Since this stuff will never be seen by *anyone* but me, it’s a great place to doodle.
This feel familiar. While my mom isn't abusive, she is demanding and highly anxious. I can physically rest, but mentally? I'm a constantly bubbling cauldron. I use crafting to help relax my brain--paper collage, journal making, gel printing, etc. Sometimes, if the weather is polite, a good walk does wonders, as does snuggling up for a good movie with my husband. Reading helps, until it doesn't, but then... it does again as times/circumstances/upheavals change.
I meant to add - one of my dearest friends calls her writing gremlin Dolly. Dolly gets lots of blame for angst and chaos, and regular gremlin treats for amazing ideas (even chaotic angsty ones).
Okay, well… one of these days I’m going to write about a crime-solving duo of old ladies named Dolly and Blanche. That’s the writer version of BAND NAME - I CALL IT!
As for the q, I've had insomnia all my life. I'm naturally a night owl but have generally held daytime jobs so adequate sleep & rest have always been an issue for me & what tricks help tend to vary over time. Relaxation music, Celtic/Irish folk music, reading until I pass out, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, hot herbal tea have all had turns. I tend to rotate through until I find what's working for now.
Sometimes I can relax easy and read, cross stitch, dance, binge watch. Sometimes not so much. That’s when my family disappears
Up until November, we were busy caregiving for an elderly, demanding (and somewhat abusive) parent. Rest? What was that? Learning to rest and genuinely relax is something I’ve been having to reteach myself this year. I’ve discovered one of my favorite things is to pick up some knitting where I don’t need to look at the pattern, put on an audiobook and knit. The combo of the movment of the needles and the words in my years (cozy mysteries preferred) lets me shut out the word and engage me enough that my mind doesn’t wander off to all the things I “should” be doing. At the same time, it is soothing and mindless enough that my mind and body can rest. Yes, I have fallen asleep with needles in hand and book still playing. Comfort viewing works as well, and with September on the horizon, it’s almost time to do my annual viewing of Practical Magic.
Reading helps, if it’s a book which engages me. If I get truly restless and don’t feel like going for a walk, I might sit down at the computer and do some writing. Not whatever my current project is, but something for fun, usually fanfic of some kind. Since this stuff will never be seen by *anyone* but me, it’s a great place to doodle.
This feel familiar. While my mom isn't abusive, she is demanding and highly anxious. I can physically rest, but mentally? I'm a constantly bubbling cauldron. I use crafting to help relax my brain--paper collage, journal making, gel printing, etc. Sometimes, if the weather is polite, a good walk does wonders, as does snuggling up for a good movie with my husband. Reading helps, until it doesn't, but then... it does again as times/circumstances/upheavals change.
Cross stitch and reading. Sometimes reading helps me replace what’s going on in my head with a story.
Oh, SAME with the knitting! I do that, too. I make SO many socks. ;)
I meant to add - one of my dearest friends calls her writing gremlin Dolly. Dolly gets lots of blame for angst and chaos, and regular gremlin treats for amazing ideas (even chaotic angsty ones).
I love the writing gremlin.
Okay, well… one of these days I’m going to write about a crime-solving duo of old ladies named Dolly and Blanche. That’s the writer version of BAND NAME - I CALL IT!
I love it!
Echoing Keris - I'm so excited!
As for the q, I've had insomnia all my life. I'm naturally a night owl but have generally held daytime jobs so adequate sleep & rest have always been an issue for me & what tricks help tend to vary over time. Relaxation music, Celtic/Irish folk music, reading until I pass out, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, hot herbal tea have all had turns. I tend to rotate through until I find what's working for now.
I just tried an app that is a fake baseball game. Working for now. 😀
My relaxation app addiction is (currently) Merge Dragons😂
I’m so excited!