Ways to Unwind

These are activities I enjoy:

Coloring Mandalas


Coloring Isn't Just For Kids. It Can Actually Help Adults Combat Stress

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Knitting


6 Unexpected Benefits of Knitting

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Mindful Nature Walking


Mindful Nature Walking One Step at a Time

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I should mention that in the beginning of my tms/mbs journey I couldn't do these activities for very long due to the pain, but I managed to gradually increase the length of each session and I now do them without feeling much discomfort.

More tips & ideas are very welcomed.

 

I didn't know where to post this, but I figured it belonged here:

I've been gardening for several hours today; last year I was unable to do much because of the pain (and feeling that I would faint and fall into the flowerbeds!) This year I'm doing so much better - I'm tired, but happy.

Here's a nice article on the benefits of gardening:

Petal Power: Why Is Gardening So Good For Our Mental Health?
10 ways horticulture helps us heal, overcome anxiety and lift low mood



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I like this thread, Simplicity. Hopefully others will add their favourite soother activities.

I knit too. Sometimes it brings lots of frustration as I make lots of errors and have to correct them but I tell myself, relax, it's only yarn.

Gardening - that's a real issue for me. I am prone to taking out my frustrations on the weeds to the point where I do hurt myself. I call it 'gardening with a vengeance'. I'm now more mindful and watch my thoughts, keeping them as thoughts instead of transferring them to my trowel-wielding hand.

Over the last few months I've been buying puzzle magazines. I particularly like the codeword ones. They are a welcome antidote to anger, guilt, worry and rumination. All that just melts away. Then it's time to make dinner....actually I enjoy cooking too so that's okay.

 

Guitar. Acoustic or electric, doesn't matter. Hands down, guitar. It's my little oasis.

Hiking in nature is a good one too.

Here's a pic from today! Parker's butt is in the way lol

 

@yb44 - Thank you. I agree, knitting isn't always relaxing... for example, when you've knitted for an hour and you realize you made an error and you've done all that work for nothing... ugghh... but then, it's an excellent opportunity to work on a zen attitude. 'Gardening with a vengeance' - LOL. I love doing puzzles too, they are so much fun!

@giantsfan - I wish I could play the guitar! It's something I've always wanted to learn. Hiking is the best! Love that photo.

 

That's hilarious! Still, it's part of nature.

@Simplicity, just came across this and wanted to include the link in this thread as it's so on topic.

https://www.seamwork.com/issues/2016/03/breathing-easy

 

I really liked the article, there're so many benefits to immersing yourself in things that bring you joy in the here and now.