Yoga vs. Kickboxing — quite the dichotomy! Ha! Have you ever heard of "rage yoga"? I always thought it was nonsense, but you sound like you might be receptive to it. ? [rageyoga.com]

@PalacinkyPDX It's coming along. Here Comes Your Man still has me stumped.

@PalacinkyPDX, @resserts I see your Rage Yoga, and raise you... Black Metal Yoga!! \m/ \m/
[video.vice.com]
Well, if you're going to join a cult, make it a trve kvlt.

Ah, this sounds quite nice. A few people have a similar sort of wholistic approach to self care, which I think helps with overall life balance.

Ah, performance art sounds rather satisfying. How long have you been into those activities?

@resserts Started in HS continued through college then directly into community bands, choirs, theater and orchestras. After college I spent just over a decade enjoying those activities. When I moved into a different job/city I never got around to joining any group. I know I could again join community band, orchestra, choir but I haven't picked up the bassoon or sax in many years so I would have to spend a few months practising to regaining the needed muscles.

Ah, yes, another wholistic approach to wellness. I think that's really good to address mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

Hey, whatever gives you those good vibrations, chica! ?

My friend's therapist recommended keeping a journal as an outlet for getting her thoughts and emotions out, but told her to not go back and re-read what she'd written. The goal for her is to use the journal as a catharsis, and returning to it later would have her reliving things that she's trying to let go of.

It sounds like you're doing some good things to keep yourself physically and emotionally fit. That's pretty awesome.

@resserts I always found it easier to go out to the river, or sit in the field with my garlic (when I had my 10 acres) and empty out the negative. Let the earth take it away and recycle it.

@silverotter11 I quite enjoy spending time outdoors… when it's not winter (so, that leaves me with about six weeks each year to enjoy nature). But I really do feel much more relaxed when I can just lie outside or wander through the woods and let the stresses of life melt away.

Ah, yes, both good — mind and body!

I definitely agree with the alone-time. I need a fair amount of that to feel like I'm at all refreshed. What do you like to draw? Anything in particular, or anything that comes to mind? I used to draw a lot, but haven't had the motivation or inspiration lately.

Reading is great when I'm in the right frame of mind (and it's quiet enough to focus on what I'm reading), and an occasional glass of wine can be delightful (though I probably imbibe only once every couple of years). But it sounds like you have a go-to routine for relaxation. Very nice.

I sympathize with not being able to spend time time outdoors, as it's miserable weather here, too. It sounds like you have a few things going on that you enjoy, though. Reading is something I like, but I often find my mind wandering even when I'm enjoying the book. I need to quiet my thoughts so I can focus on reading, I guess.

@Kattywampus69 I would for sure. Can’t stand heat.

@Kattywampus69 I was born on a tropical island. But I could never stand heat. Always made me sick.

@Kattywampus69 A true vampiress!!

I don't drink (other than the exceedingly rare glass of wine with a meal), but I can see that actually being a way to unwind.

Wait, are there people into feet on Fetlife? (Or should it instead be called "Feetlife"?) ?

Ah, it sounds like you have a lot of activities that help you unwind. I used to create art, too, and I bought a bunch of drawing and painting supplies a while ago but I just can't seem to get into the right frame of mind or creative spirit for that sort of art. (I do write a bit, which I find comes easier these days for some reason.) And, yeah, sleep is probably my most valued pastime, though it may not be quite the self-care activity I need (as I tend to sleep too much on the weekends, which may not be especially healthy).

Thanks for the recommendation on the book. I've heard of it, but I don't recall anything about it. I'll look it up.

@resserts I've got a shitload of supplies too and suffer hard from "blank canvas syndrome", thus I rely too much on imaging programs...
The book is awesome. She has a very unique perspective. There are bits & pieces of the book on the blog.

and yes apparently my feet have fans.... who knew. I love foot guys. LOL

@Qualia Yep, the blank canvas is kind of where I am. I used to have ideas about what I could draw, always lots of ideas swimming through my mind, but lately nothing seems all that interesting to me. I do spend time in Photoshop and Illustrator (or equivalent programs), but usually with a more utilitarian purpose (e.g., logo design, illustration for websites, a birthday card for someone).

I just listened to the author read her first chapter. It's extremely entertaining. I think I will buy it for my friend — and hope she lets me borrow it. ?

@resserts There's an audio verson???! Oh I look forward to a full report of both your impressions of the book.

If you come across a tip to combat blank canvas please do share. Sometimes I think i need to take a class or something just to paint myself in a corner so to speak.

@Qualia I don't know whether she's done a full audiobook version, but she read the first chapter for this presentation:

@Qualia I suspect taking a class would be helpful, as there would be some direction to get started on a project (even if not of one's own choosing). And then that may very likely spark other ideas and inspiration. If I find anything that seems to be motivating, I'll be sure to let you know.

@PalacinkyPDX OOOOOH!! !!!!!!!!
my girl and I had a custody battle over it when it arrived trying to read it at the same time.
That you gave it to yours really gets me in the feels!????

Oh, it's interesting that you can do yoga while doing other things. I think I'd have difficulty dividing my attention like that. I do enjoy comedies and learning, and I agree that there's a great deal of satisfaction to be had from finishing a project or task.

I suppose that is something I do in small doses, too. A little online interaction can be entertaining and mentally/emotionally engaging.

I think that's a wise strategy, to focus on what's within your control and not worry so much about the past. And, yeah, exercise… I have a hate-hate relationship (not really, but I get where you're coming from).

"When you are old, you will stretch forth your hands, and others will lead you where you do not want to go".

yep, my wife's uncle was recently led into an old folks home. course he managed to stay in his own home until 100 but he'd rather still be there.

however i think that statement now applies to a large % of people everywhere who are being misled & lied to by the people they elected to represent them.

Ah, it sounds like you do self care right! That's very cool. Aside from being out of work, it sounds like you're doing quite well. I hope everything continues to go well for you and that you find a sustainable income reasonably soon (whether that means a job or self-employment or robbing a bank, whatever). ?

@resserts I am on hold now for a temp job, and at least while we're on hold they are paying us a stipend. So, better than nothing. I am also waiting for reference checks and final determination for a permanent job. If the temp job starts first I will go ahead with it and quit for the permanent job. If the permanent job doesn't materialize then I'm employed until June.

@HippieChick58 Ah, I guess it's good you have a plan, then. It may not be super stable — but then again, really, what is? I hope the permanent job works out.

@resserts Thanks!! Me too! It will actually be a step up, and I'm excited and really happy they even considered me.

@sweetcharlotte I made them a priority. Three of them (which are on my profile page) were made of the same fabrics, just different arrangements. I call them my sister quilts and one for each daughter for their birthdays. The oldest got hers first in December, the youngest got hers mid January. The middle daughter has to wait til mid March. The last quilt was for the granddaughter, a rainbow quilt for her new twin bed. She's two and learning her colors. No more quilts for a while now, I'm burnt out!

@sweetcharlotte Thank you!!

A noble pursuit, for sure. Do you find that to help your emotional state, or is it just something that's especially important to you?

@resserts
Very much both. There are very powerful hidden benefits.

Ah, I'm seeing a lot of yoga in the responses. I've never gotten into it, but I know people who love it. I like reading when I can focus, hiking (or ramming around the woods), creating art (drawing and painting) when the mood strikes (though it has been a while since I was in the right frame of mind for that), and cooking simple dishes (as I tend to make a mess and I'll end up with a giant cleanup job if I have to involve too many bowls). ?

That all sounds pretty great. What made you pick up the banjo specifically?

@resserts I grew up in France, I had never heard country music or Bluegrass. When I first travelled across the US, I came across it and I associated it with true American Music. I love the sound of that instrument. I went to a few concerts and I was hooked. One Christmas, my wife who is a superb pianist gave me one and I started taking lessons. Hard instrument to learn but I love the challenge. I can play with my kids who are both music lovers and play multiple instruments.

@AlexRam Steve Martin the comedian,is quite the banjo player,I understand.[google.com]

Ah, yes, I sometimes forget that it can be nice to get out of the house sometimes, too. ? Game night sounds like fun.

Is your doctor okay with you drinking in moderation? If so, and you find it to be relaxing, might it even do your heart a bit of good overall?

@resserts , no my doc doesn't think i should have any alcohol at all. keeps reminding me how toxic it is.
i have atrial flutter & have been cardioconverted 8 times. the 9 th time just over a week ago didn't work.
i'm now waiting to see a cardiologist. meanwhile i'm on a blood pressure pill + eliquis (a blood thinner) which i refused to take until this latest episode.
my normal pulse at rest is 60 but now hi 70s to 90s but 1 drink too many could send it to 130.
fuck it. if i can't enjoy a good beer & single malt once in a while it's probably time for me to consider exiting.

@callmedubious Ah, I'm very sorry to hear that. I don't know a lot about heart disease, though artery blockage runs in my family. I hope the medication works and the cardiologist has encouraging news for you.

Hugs

Nor I. I find some satisfaction and revitalization in volunteering, but my only current volunteerism outlet isn't consistent enough or something I can do on short notice to really be what I would consider effective self care. I'm thinking journaling might be a good idea, jotting down a page or so each evening, though it might not be as emotionally restorative as I'd like. It's worth a shot, though.

@Amisja I am one who enjoys cuddling and have participated in a few discussions here on that topic. Most seem to not recognize cuddling as a health activity and necessary for well being, but view it only as a means to romance and sex.

@jlynn37 No, hugs matter.

@Amisja Thanks!

@resserts I've done journals and written down dreams, but I'm not disciplined enough to keep doing it. I like to work in the garden; a frustrating love affair with dirt.

@AstralSmoke Haha! Yep, I grow a garden… full of weeds. ? But I learned that if I want to pretend I have any ability at all growing vegetables, I should plant kale. I felt like a superhero of healthy crops (because kale will thrive in pretty much any conditions). I couldn't get any goddamned carrots to grow, but I had kale until Xmas.