Sadly, I did not get a post out last week to announce the winner of Charles Yallowitz’s War of Nytefall: Anarchy. The week got away from me with its awful stress. I’m sure you can relate to stress. One of these days, I’ll have the emotional wherewithal to tell you alllllllllllll about it. For now, let’s discuss a stress management tactic—rest/relaxation. I don’t mean taking a nap, though my mom says that’s her favorite form of stress relief. I’m not much of a napper, because napping subtracts from my nighttime sleep hours. The only time it doesn’t is when I’m really ill.
One of my favorite forms of rest/relaxation, besides watching this show (based on the book by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus)
or playing this
is to crochet. I’m currently making an underwater habitat for this little whale as part of a gift.
Whale crochet pattern by LittleMagicHouse
Coral, seaweed, and shell patterns by TheYarnConspiracy.
It might seem like a lot of work. And it is. But with every stitch crocheted or felt sewn, that’s minutes of stress off my back. I’m not sure why it works that way for me. Some people do crossword or jigsaw puzzles (looking at you, Jill Weatherholt and Charles Yallowitz); I crochet. I like to keep my hands busy while watching a movie or show on Netflix.
What do you do for relaxation? While you consider that, Marian Beaman, consider yourself a winner of Charles’s latest book!
Thank you to all who commented and faithfully read this weird blog.
Book cover and author photos courtesy of Charles Yallowitz. Other photos by L. Marie.
El Space--The Blog of L. Marie 
Sorry to read you are awfully stressed , Linda .
If it is possible perhaps the change of field of activity would help .
Be better soon.
Love ❤
Michel
Merci beaucoup! ❤️
I’m glad you have an outlet for stress as you say, “But with every stitch crocheted or felt sewn, that’s minutes of stress off my back.” I’m one of the beneficiaries of your crocheted works, which sits beside a daisy to brighten up a space in my laundry room. I also see I’ve “won” a copy of Charles Yallowitz’s War of Nytefall. He and I have seen each other online for years now. Here’s my chance to get to know his work. Huge thanks, Linda Marie. And here’s a huge hug for Less Stress today! (( )))
P. S. Writers live in their minds, so every which way we turn, there we are – ha! 😀
Yay, Marian! 😃 Yes, I have finished my stress reducing project. Now to send it in the mail. Will send Charles’s book to you! And yes, we live in our minds!
Put a feather in your cap for a job well done. And take some time to RE-LAX! You’ve earned it. No hurry on sending the book, but thank you, heaps.
By the way, the crocheted character you sent me was Yoda. 😀
😆 Already sent!
It’s amazing how much a ‘mild’ hobby can help with stress. I use jigsaw puzzles, which aren’t portable. Really need to find a stress reducer that I can have on me when things get rough.
Yeah, jigsaw puzzles require so much room.
Do you have a Nintendo Switch?
Technically it’s my son’s Switch. I don’t use it unless he’s there.
Oh okay. So many people are playing Stardew Valley to relax. But that game takes soooo much time. The main reason I have not played it.
I’ve heard of it. Tend to avoid time thieves though.
I hear you! So easy to get addicted.
I love your blog, Linda! And I’m sorry you had a stressful week. I didn’t realize it! I go to the track to get alone and relax. Listen to an Audible book while I’m there.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃 I know so many others who run as a stress reliever! I used to eat M&Ms as a stress reliever, so I’m doing good to have switched to crocheting. 😃
Because of your stress relief crochet I am the proud Mama of Clara, Lil Sis and Orange Puff (I just named him!) With Owlie hovering over them as their night time protector!
I always go for walks – even in the midst of what others might consider ‘ugly’ (industrial areas really do have a certain artistic vibe IMHO – just the safety factor is an issue). And of course – communing with my Lord via with my instruments…
hugs
Great ways of relieving stress. The ultimate way to do so! 😆 You also make wonderful quilts and other projects.
You’re too sweet, L.Marie – sometimes the quilting is a ‘stress relief’ from my music!!!! HA!
😎
I’m sure it is!
I do a Sudoku after lunch. I don’t know if it’s to relax or for stress relief. Of course, walking is another way to relieve stress. I listen to relaxing music while I write. But I should listen to more music when I feel the need to relax.
.
My dad loves Soduku. I had forgotten all about that until you mentioned it, Nicki.
Sorry to hear you’re under so much stress at the moment. I wish I had a great technique to offer, but I’m afraid I’ve never found a foolproof way of dealing with it – it seems to vary. Sometimes crafting, sometimes napping, sometimes playing computer games, but you’ve thought of all of them already. Binge-watching Friends sometimes helps!
Binge watching is a great stress reliever, FF! So glad for Netflix!
If things are getting stressful or I’m getting a bit tetchy, one of two things normally work: get out in the fresh air walking, or listen to some of my favourite albums.
Good solutions, Andy! 😄
Works for me 🙂
😊