What's your plan?

During the week, I was chatting to a great friend of mine. We were discussing our mutual loss of memory and other issues, that we've just attributed to the aging process. It started me pondering and mulling over things, as I am want to do.

I was thinking about rest. Neil is always telling me to slow down, rest, have a break etc. I find it difficult though. I've always been a "doer". If I get to the end of today's "to do" list before getting to the end of today, I worry I've missed out something really important. So I make longer lists, never get to the end of them and that's worse. I'm beginning to realise that all this time, I have definitely been missing out something essential - rest!

So, as I often do, I looked up some definitions and that took me down a very convoluted rabbit hole. However, I want to share with you some of the information I stumbled across.

I began with the definition of "rest" (goodness, there are loads!) and finished with the definition of "hobby" (not quite so many).

The outcome is that I'd like us to think about two questions.

1. Why is rest important? Not sleep or holidays, just everyday rest.

2. Is it necessary to have a hobby or hobbies? Same question but in other words: Does having a hobby do us any good?

Number 1 - Rest

One definition of rest is "to stop". So why is stopping important? Here's why.

To stop is to...

• enable our bodies to repair and rejuvenate tissues. Not surprisingly I've called this Physical Rest. It benefits the body

• allow the mind to process information and form memories (to learn). Mental rest.

• encourage decompression and build up resilience against stress. Emotional stress.

  Note: I struggled with the English in this last point - is it resilience to stress or against stress? Please read either or both as correct - "to stress" means we can combat the stress we already feel, whilst "against stress" means we can actively prevent (more) stress descending on us.

Next, number 2, the benefits of hobbies

• Having a hobby (we'll call crafting just 1 hobby shall we?) improves mental health.

  Doing something you love and which you look forward to participating in, helps the brain with creative problem solving and building positive relationships, personal and professional.

• Engaging in a hobby can decrease emotional fatigue.

  Undertaking a hobby, especially something creative, has been shown to decrease the level of Cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body, leading to less stress and anxiety.

• The body's physical reaction to stress is linked to increased levels of Cortisol and Adrenaline levels.

  Higher levels can lead to many physical problems:

  Fatigue

High blood pressure

Insomnia

Headaches and muscle pain

Chronic illness e.g.diabetes

Heart disease

Skin changes

Digestive problems, to name but a few.

I realise that most of you know these facts already. But, stop for a moment and re-read the reasons why we should rest and the benefits of have a hobby. Aren't they much the same?

So what about our physical health then? Are we supposed to be busy with hobbies or should we rest?

I can answer that question with another: What's better than one thing that does us good? The obvious answer is "two things" - rest and hobbies (relaxation). Balance is key.

Have you ever (I know you have) stood for an hour cutting out a sewing project? Did you feel tired afterwards?

Do you have to sweep or vacuum your workspace when you've thrown bits into the bin and missed? Well of course you do, who else will do it? That's plenty of exercise!

Seriously though, I need to walk more. I walk the dogs, but have you ever walked 3 small dogs that stop to sniff every 3 feet and bark incessantly at other dogs? Well if you haven't, I guarantee it's not a walk in the park! I need to walk on my own, or with my husband or friend. I need to notice the beauty around me, to experience the outdoors and the fresh air. If I put best foot forward, I may increase my heart rate a little and that will do me the world of good.

Get to the point Kath! Or rather 5 points:

1. Be aware that your wellbeing involves all of you - body, soul, mind and spirit

2. Be kind to yourself - taking an hour or a day off is NOT allowed - it's essential!

3. Be careful to keep the balance in your day - work, rest and play

4. Be patient with yourself - not everything has to be done now and guilt is destructive

5. Be creative - it's has all round benefits

Please don't just agree with me and then forget it. We've all seen this advice before but most of us choose to ignore it. My point number 6, if I was to make it, would be:

Don't make excuses! Make you your priority!

My plan for me (there's never a better time to make one)

• Revise the 'essentials' on my to do list

• Make more time for hobbies - real ones, the things I love to do

• Walk more, alone

• Stay creative, get ideas and inspirations out of my head and into my hands

• Ditch the guilt

On my walk today

Back to the title: What's your plan?

How will you stick with the plan?

How will you record your progress?

How about a sewing journal that's really a "My Wellbeing Journal"?

I think I'm going to do that. We've done journals with Lizzy, they're very valuable.

Whatever you do, you don't have to share it with anyone, unless you really want to.

Remember, it's never to late to have a plan of action and it's always good to have a hobby (or two).

Happy Sewing

Look after yourself, I mean it!

Kath x