Start Stitching and Stop Stressing

The hustle and bustle of holiday hype can jangle your nerves and stress you out. And Christmas is still three weeks away! So set aside some daily “me time” so you can relax and enjoy the season. My stress-busting choice? Needlepoint!

Studies show that performing a repetitive task is a distraction from worry because it interrupts your train of thought. Here’s how needlepoint can help you do the trick:

·        Choose a simple project, or a simple part of a complicated project—like a background that’s a solid color.

·        Turn on music that relaxes you.

·        Be sure your stitching area is well lit, with the light directed at the stitching in front of you rather than coming from over your shoulder.

·        Sit down and put up your feet—get comfortable.

·        Start stitching, and as you do, slow down your breathing to match the action of putting the needle in and out of the canvas.

Before you know it, you’ll feel relaxed and ready to finish your holiday shopping. And, who knows? You just may have a completed needlepoint project to share with your family by the time 2012 rolls around.

Canvas by Birds of a Feather