Here are 12 self care tips that include ways to care for yourself physically, but also to care for your mental health as well. Crafting is such a wonderful activity to recharge and soothe the mind. From clearing the clutter, to creating coziness in your life, to learning new things, even just one will help with uplift and renew. Let’s get started, shall we?
Note: the following are fun Self Care Tips are are not intended to treat/cure/prevent any illness.
1. Don’t be afraid to take a break.
What no crochet? No knitting? No yarn?!?!? Sometimes we need a moment to pause and catch our breath a little. Maybe it’s for the evening, or perhaps you need a little longer. Do what feels best for you. It is perfectly ok to do nothing sometimes! When you hop back to it, you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to get those creative juices flowing again!
2. Make something just for you.
And only you! After the gift giving season and frantically trying to get every last present done, it’s time to give a gift to yourself! Choose some fabulous yarn and perhaps a pattern you’ve had your eye on and go for it!
3. Treat yourself.
Got your eye on a luxury skein, or perhaps a gorgeous new hook? Maybe you have some holiday gift cards just waiting to join you at the store? Go for it! It does not to be huge or extravagant, just a little something to let yourself know you care.
4. Take care of those hard working hands!
In the winter our hands go through quite a bit. Cold weather, the hard work of cranking out all of those handmade gifts, scrubbing the house for holiday get togethers, and so on. Treat your hands with things like a favorite moisturizer and manicure. Also, be sure to wear glove or mittens (handmade of course!) to protect your hands from the biting cold. You can even do stretches before and after your craft sessions to keep everything limber too.
5. Make a special space in your home for crafting.
It can be as fancy as an entire room, or perhaps a basket by a favorite chair will do. Any spot you choose will be your special area for creativity and may even become a little crafty haven to escape to from time to time.
6. Keep it simple!
Try a simple, easy project to work on. Crochet, knitting, hand sewing, weaving and many other fiber arts have a meditative, repetitive effect on the brain which can be very soothing and relaxing. Try a project with basic stitches or an easy row repeat for maximum stress release!
7. Get as cozy as possible while you craft.
Light a candle, cover yourself with a favorite blanket, pop in a movie, play music, dim the lights, sip on some tea…anything that you love to do for maximum coziness!
8. Get outside!
Sometimes breathing in some fresh air and catching a little bit of nature are all you may need for a reset. Too frosty to get outside? Pop open the curtains and enjoy the view!
9. Connect with others!
Hop into a community of your choice whether it be a dinner with friends, an online community of shared interests, or simply calling a loved one to let them know you are thinking of them. Looking for a community? Try starting a crochet or knitting circle!
10. Sleep!
With our modern schedules and endless demands, it easy to get behind in your sleep. Grab a special favorite afghan and take a long restorative nap…repeat as needed!
11. Try something new!
Curious about knitting? Always wanted to try embroidery? Arm knitting? Crewel? Jump in and explore new and interesting adventures. Sometimes it’s just what you need to reenergize your spirits!
12. Lighten your load.
Clearing out unwanted things can lighten our mental load. Whether you choose to donate, gift items, recycle them, repurpose them, or simply throw things out, it can be amazingly refreshing to clear the clutter. This goes for mental clutter too…freeing up schedules, saying “no” often and doing your best to get rid of negativity in your life goes a long way in your personal self care goals too!
I sincerely hope at least one of these Self Care Tips help you in the new year! What do you do for self care? Please share in the comments below!
I tend to do some simpler projects after the holidays to rest my hands and brain. When I hit a block I do the same thing. This year it was doll blankets. Sometimes its simple items like dishcloths for the house. It helps my body relax and reset.
Great ideas. I have taken a break because I was trying to get Christmas gifts done before Christmas and was so busy. I made 7 afghans this year but still need to finish the temperature blanket for a granddaughter. Almost done. I made my daughter a C2C Flamingo blanket and she told me today it needs to be a little longer for her feet to be covered.
Love your posts and ideas.
HAPPY 2020 Jenn!
In the winter I like to take a long, no rush bubble bath with some candles, a piece of healthy dark chocolate and a small glass of wine. After I rinse off the bubbles I slather myself with sesame oil and lotion. I used to read in the tub until I kept drifting off and dropping my book in the water!! Then off I go to sleep like a baby…except for the waking up wet and screaming part! God bless you; may this be another great year for you!
I lost interest in crocheting for a while, I finally got the urge to give it a try again, I thought I wasn't going to remember my stitches, so I just started, I was surprised, it all came back to me so I crocheted a hat and fingerless gloves for me I actually feel pretty good, I was feeling depressed, I retired about 8 months ago. Thanks for the pointers,