Looking for ways to relieve your stress these days?

I have some suggestions - and they absolutely include knitting.

There's a lot going on in the world, isn't there? On top of life's normal April stresses (tax time, anyone?), the reality of the increased costs of everything in addition to new tariffs are nothing short of a nightmare for a small business. 

In response to the stress, I can feel myself drawn to a variety of activities - and I realize it's not a coincidence. It's my body guiding me - if I will listen.

Soil, anyone? 

When it's not raining in Columbus, Ohio, I feel the soil calling me to prep the vegetable garden for spring crops. I'm ready to plant but will wait for days of forecasted rain to pass so my seeds won't rot. I don't think this is a coincidence - did you know there's scientific research suggesting that contact with certain soil bacteria can lift your mood? The fact that I am craving to feel the soil in my hands again likely is my body's not-so-subtle way to guide me toward stress relief - and I am listening. 

Make yourself smile

As the spring flora begins to bloom, my yard is begging me to bring fresh bouquets of daffodils indoors to enjoy. This week, I've added sprigs of Eastern redbud and tulips to my arrangements. I literally physically smile when I catch a glimpse of my yard flowers on my mantle. Pretty sure this isn't a coincidence; there's lots of research showing the benefits of smiling on mental health. I am listening. 

Prepare food

I easily can get burned out by the daily question of what to make for dinner. Is it healthy? Does it sound good? Is it hitting our mood? Do I have the energy? But I'm finding that the kitchen is calling me to seek out spring peas and leeks, check on how far along the rhubarb is, look for fresh asparagus, and pull out the cookbooks for new dish inspiration. Oh guess what. Turns out there's research on the benefits of cooking, too. Pretty sure my body and mind are trying to help me out again. . . and I am listening. 

Do a little dance

I've felt a yearning to walk uptown to the library or to get a coffee or to simply walk. Spring is bursting forth and the walks provide something new to see each day. I've also noticed that when I am in the workshop and put on music, my body begins to move in rhythm. Yup. Another sign. Moving ourselves = all kinds of health benefits. Research has shown us this for years. Not a coincidence - unknowingly, I am listening.

Get out those knitting needles

Until this week, I had been in an end-of-winter slump for my knitting creativity. Suddenly I'm swatching and sketching again. All kinds of knitting patterns and projects are bursting forth from my mind to my hands. One particular day this week, I made note of how I was feeling while working a new stitch pattern in our fingering weight cashmere. I had been exceptionally anxious - physically so that day. While I was knitting, I noticed I was calm. The flutter in my arms and chest had subsided. My mind was engaged and I was thoroughly enjoying the creative process of watching a new fabric emerge from my needles. I sighed, acknowledging that this creative spurt likely was not a coincidence, that my body, mind, heart, and soul all were guiding me to dispel my anxiety through knitting. . . and I absolutely was listening. No surprise - there's research (see list of sources below) showing that knitting reduces stress and brings calmness. 

Listen

These times are not easy. They are uncertain, chaotic, and financially more and more challenging. People and countries are at odds with each other. We are feeling the effects of the stress. 

The advice I can offer from my own experience is to listen. Listen to where your body, heart, mind, and soul are calling you. I didn't even realize my body was doing all of this for me until I sat down to write my weekly newsletter to our community, trying to find some way to offer support and encouragement in our current world. In writing, the lightbulb moment happened and I discovered that all the things my body was calling me to do was to help me handle the extreme anxiety I have been feeling. 

Sandwaves Poncho kit by Norah Gaughan

Get yourself some cashmere

Now is exactly the time to get your hands working with our exquisite cashmere yarn. Our community members always remark on how wonderful it is to work with our yarn; it's soft for the hands and offers the right amount of springiness and give. It's soothing to see beauty emerge as you make a project.

Yes, cashmere is expensive. It takes the cashmere fiber from 4-6 goats to produce enough yarn to make a sweater! Compare this to being able to yield 4-6 sweaters from the wool of a single sheep.

Our community knows, however, that the expense is not a wasted one. As the cost of everything goes up, it's more important than ever to invest in goods that will last. Our community continually comes back to us saying that their garments have lasted years with little to no pilling; that they are soft and wearable against the skin and incredibly lightweight for all seasons. In fact, our Norah Gaughan Sand Waves Poncho is a testament to all of that, especially to the durability of our cashmere yarn. When I show the poncho to folks at events and say that it arrived from the designer in 2017 and looks just like it did when it arrived (even with me rubbing it and wearing it and frankly, not being very kind to it), they are amazed. 

So treat yourself by investing in cashmere yarn that will last and get to knitting away your anxiety and stress. Your body is telling you to - you just have to listen. 

Find your next project here: JUNE CASHMERE

Become a part of our story: JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Join us virtually to knit: KNITTING TOGETHER 

Until next time, may you find utter joy in knitting with our yarn.  -- Amy 

Sources

Purls of wisdom: the well-being benefits of knitting and crochet

The benefits of knitting for personal and social wellbeing

This is no yarn - knitting may keep your mind sharp

The truth about knitting and crochet - they are good for you