Sunday 11 October 2015

The Worry Cure


Maybe not so much a cure as an approach. I know we're all different and find our own coping strategies when times get tough, but here are mine:

1. Count your blessings. Sounds obvious and perhaps a bit Pollyanna but it's true. The print samples finally came back and look good. The new house - after blitzing everything with white undercoat - is suddenly transformed from a gloomy, depressing little place into somewhere lighter and brighter and altogether more happy-feeling. My friends and family have been wonderful, helping out with Joe and letting me get my work ready to deliver to my customer on time.



2. Make soup. I always seem to find solace in peeling, chopping, frying, seasoning and stirring. When times are rough, I head for the kitchen. Cooking something with simple, inexpensive ingredients which will nourish people gives me a great sense of comfort somehow.



3. Notice the seasonal details all around. Colours, shapes, textures, smells. Damp earth and crisp leaves. Woodsmoke and berries. Cobwebs and conkers.


4. Take a bit of time out. There's a new cafe opened in the village and it's lovely inside. Cheap as chips, too. A catch-up with a friend last week over cups of tea was perfect. There's much to be said for grown-up conversation and a break from the normal routine.


5. Walk. Joe and I have been to 'Windy Castle' and picked blackberries. And of course he had to step into a (runny, stinky) cowpat to see what happened. Reeking wellies (and car) aside, fresh air and open space always slow me down and help me stay in the moment as opposed to all those niggling 'What if?' thoughts running riot.


6. Be alone. As in, a hot bath or a bit of time to read. A temporary escape from constant demands and running to everyone else's schedules. I find this necessary to avoid getting irritated and annoyed each time someone changes their plans last-minute or lets me down in some way.


7. Be creative. I'm probably the most self-effacing person I know, but the fact is I've worked incredibly hard these past few months to try and establish myself career-wise. I set myself a tough challenge and learned some hard lessons along the way but the fact is, I still love drawing and painting and writing. These are the things I lose myself in and even when there's a tight deadline looming, making art never feels like a chore.


8. Take a step back to get my priorities in order. Once my work's handed in next week, I'll be spending a lot of time at the new house decorating. We're going to be moving in fairly soon and there's a lot to do. And I actually enjoy painting walls and woodwork; I go into my own little world and time seems to just slip away.

I've also decided to cancel doing the craft fair at the end of the month. Something had to give. There'll be others and they'll be at a time when things aren't quite so hectic.



 9. Go to the doctor. I'm not ashamed to say it. There's a stigma attached to these things and there shouldn't be. I've always been prone to anxiety, ever since childhood, and there are times when it gets more difficult to manage than it should. To me, taking care of your mental wellbeing is no different to looking after yourself physically.


Thank you for all your lovely comments lately. Things have calmed down a bit around here over the past week, and so have I. Finding a balance between getting things done and taking time to smell the roses is always tricky but I'm getting there.





25 comments:

  1. Thankyou, I just knew it wasn't just me!!! You touch on so many things I try when my mood/workload/family life get a bit too much. Looking forward to your posts at the new house!! I quite like painting, in my own little world, mulling over alsorts while mindlessly painting away!! Sarah

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  2. This is a perfect manifesto. I felt better just reading it. Xx

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  3. You sound like a very emotionally intelligent woman...these things work for me too, although I'm not too much of a worrier I can feel even the tiniest bit of stress and my body. It's all just being sensible really. I can't wait to see your new home, I'm sure you will begin to relax more when you're in :) xxx

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  4. Very good advice, Sarah. I've had lifelong anxiety problems and I can attest to the help all of these things can bring. I hope life settles down for you all very soon. Take care.

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  5. I agree with your list entirely. I'd also add in some 'mindless' crafting like simple knitting, something with gentle rhythm and repetition. I hope that your list helps you feel much better very soon.

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  6. Thank you, this is very helpful post for many of us.

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  7. That's a great list Sarah. Looking forward to seeing photos of your new house. I'm sure with your creative touch you will soon have it looking like home. x

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  8. What a lovely post Sarah. I'm making a note of your antidotes to stressful times. Things are hard here at the moment, and I'm suffering a lot from anxiety. I try very hard to switch my brain off and thing about other things, but it's getting harder and harder, so your list is very timely. I'm so glad the prints came back and were good, and that the progress on your house is making a difference. Good luck with the decorating, things are really moving along now I think. CJ xx

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  9. I've written on being overwhelmed lately, and I've been reading a lot of other bloggers write about seeking balance, updating priorities, etc. It's nice to feel part of a supportive community, even if it's online, and to hear tips, tricks, and sage advice from others (and see their beautiful photography, as well!). Thanks for this post!

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  10. Lovely post... And lovely to know you are taking care of yourself

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  11. Don't forget sleep! I have found that a regular pattern of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day really helps with the quality of sleep which makes a significant difference during the day. I know that it is much more difficult when children are little but it is very tempting to work late when they are asleep and this can create problems with insomnia because your brain expects to be active late at night.

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  12. all excellent approaches, and I find all of those similarly helpful. Glad things are calming down a little. x

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  13. Well done, Sarah! I benefited from reading your worry cure.and realize that some of the activities that have helped you have helped me as well. Thanks for posting. Wishing you a happy week :) xx

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  14. I am glad that you are finding things to help you along your way, as long as they work for you that is all that matters, although I am sure that they would all be a help to us all! Keep taking care of yourself. Glad that things worked out with the printers. xx

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  15. Hey Sarah,
    A wonderful, honest post, and a reminder to me to stop and take stock. Your art work is beautiful. Your mindfulness is heartwarming.
    Leanne xx

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  16. Your list makes perfect sense and I'd add 'get a good night's sleep' and 'be kind to yourself'. It sounds as though you're doing great Sarah. I hope the decorating goes well (but don't overdo it). Sam x PS Absolutely beautiful photos, as always.

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  17. The perfect list Sarah. The whole being alone and noticing the small details around you really resonate with me at the moment. I really need to make the time to do that more, it's really easy when you are busy and have a lot on your mind to think you haven't the time but actually that's the most important time to stop and make the time.
    Is that the longest and most non-sensical comment ever?!

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  18. Perfect. I agree with those who have mentioned adding sleep to the list. Not always easy when you have small peeps but important none the less. I'm so glad you included the point about going to the doctor if needed! I too have stuggled with anxiety (depression too) since childhood. xx

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  19. And flowers ... a bunch of something sweet scented in a pretty jugs can do wonders to lift the heart. Here's hoping your woes soon diminish x

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  20. Yes to all of those and then just breathe. When we're stressed or anxious or worried we simply don't it properly. Deep, slow breathing is a really powerful tool. Sorry if I'm coming over all yogi-ish but it's something we rarely think about.

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  21. Great blog and photos as always and a great list, it doesn't do us any harm to step back and breathe, enjoy your weekend :)

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  22. Yes, these cures work for me too especially the first one. Would love to see some photos of your cottage in its whitewashed stage. We're just about to embark on a similar project of our own and although it's very, very scary it is also a once in a lifetime creative opportunity. I've just read the comment above and I completely agree. I've been a yoga practioner for 35 years and I know I do it automatically now just concentrating on the out breath and letting everything go as slowly as possible. It works really well when your mind is racing and you can't sleep (see above for why!). Lie on your back, place your hands on your stomach and breathe out slowly. The in breath will take care of itself and then you go again. Come up slowly if you try this as a relaxation technique during the day.

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  23. I applaud you for your common sense. It would be easy to keep obligations like the craft show on because you said yes to it, but to be strong enough to say you need the space is really good. My favourite word for self help is no. I hope I use it judiciously enough and often enough to keep me balanced.

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  24. Bloody good advice! I hope you're taking it. I find fresh air and exercise help enormously with sleep and stress - it's such an old cliche but so true. x

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