Tag: activity

Uncategorized

Progress During the Pandemic

maymargaret

It feels like trying to write about the work pre pandemic would be futile. Mostly because, really, I think of it as behind a mist. Nowadays, when I’m watching TV, I instantly feel like the actors should be socially distanced, even if filmed before it all started. I first noticed while watching a play on YouTube, and its stuck.

I’ve also noticed a distinct lack of progress. The thing about going to work, going on holiday, going to meet friends, is going somewhere, sometimes. Now those things have become digital if they are to exist at all, and my friends and I now do what we call Sanity calls some Sundays. Just to keep in check. Mostly these sessions are spent comparing our varied experiences of the pandemic, and bitching about covidiots.

This sense of being stuck came to a head back in August, and, on the eve of my birthday, I cried. I’m not an emotional person, but I cried like a baby for about 20 minutes. A week later, I was on a coach, on my own, travelling to London on my first ‘holiday’ alone, without my family or my fiance. It was impulsive, safely done and, absolutely necessary.

There’s always something in your life you’re anxious to do, because it makes you anxious. There’s a sort of nervous excitement behind it, and it might be exercising in public or raising your hand in a class, or a meeting, to say something. Anxiety has stopped me from doing these things for most of my life, but my trip to London has taught me these experiences are rewarding in the end. More so if preceded by that initial panic. Sometimes, all it takes is a one second snap.

I think now more than ever, it’s important to maintain an idea of progress. Whether its confronting a fear, creating a research project about anything that may interest you, or just keeping a log of all the things you’re doing, such as new recipes or movies you’ve watched. It’s not pointless, and, while it might not necessarily make you money, or progress you in your careers, it has value. Growth is always valuable.

Uncategorized

Escapism Through Crafts

maymargaret

I’m a serial hobbyist. During this time, I’ve been drawn to things I can do at my desk, to varying degrees of success. I’m a firm believer that creativity is an extremely valuable, both in self worth as well as pouring yourself into something you can be proud of.

Felting- sometimes you just need to stab things with a pin lots (and lots) of times. It may result in some injury, so remember the little leather thimble (does it have a name?) and go to town. It’s rather easy to produce something resembling your idea, whether it be a picture or a pet.

Painting – this is a bit of a cheat, because I’ve been painting for years. But it is relaxing, and depending on your subject matter it can be calming for your thoughts. The best, I find, are landscapes, particularly creating your own. Sihloette paintings like the one below are particularly nice, because essentially its just blocks put together.

Pumpkin carving – so its a little late, but pumpkin, or indeed vegetable carving, can also have similar carthatic qualities to felting. Namely, stabbing and cutting something. Extra satisfaction if its going to be a face. But sadistic tendencies aside, vegetable carving can be very effective visually, and doesn’t have to be wasteful.

Knitting – knitting is practical as well as relaxing, and you can do other things, too. Watch TV, listen to a book, attend a meeting (as long as your camera isn’t on), and so on.

Jewellery making – jewellery making can manifest in ideas out of nothing, and tools can be cost effective. Also, making jewellery can be cost effective, too. You save money on buying by making it yourself, or you can sell it. Win win?

Uncategorized

Escapism Through Activity

maymargaret

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you’ll probably gather that I like to keep busy. What that says about me im not sure, but sometimes I do wonder whether I’ve been subconsciously preparing for something like this. Hoarding hobbies like toilet rolls, waiting for time to kill.

But I also know how easy it can be to get into a rut, particularly when one suffers from an overactive mind and anxiety. So I’ve decided to compile a list of all the more active things I’ve decided to do (for mind as well as physically) when stuck for inspiration.

Running – running for me is less of a sport to keep fit, and just something to get rid of nervous energy. I used to be self conscious, and I think thats exactly when you should do something. Its a very freeing activity, and there’s a lot of great personal achievements you can work towards to keep you progressing.

Yoga – my lockdown goal was to work towards side splits. I’m very, very nearly there. Otherwise, yoga can be done in bite size sessions to YouTube videos or, as I prefer, making up a routine as I go. Sometimes, just a good morning stretch is all you need.

Writing – recently I got back into creative writing, including short stories and something I thought I’d never do – poetry. There will be critics out there (I haven’t been brave enough to present any original works yet) who think writers should have a certain style, say things in a certain flowery way. But I think writing, like art, should be allowed to be in any style, because that’s your voice. Some of the most enjoyable poetry I’ve read gives me an insight into someone’s experience with raw words, and some of the best stories I’ve read make me hear a real voice.

Writing, as research has taught me, is very much based on personal preference. Individual scenes might be best written separately and not necessarily chronologically, but I find the authenticity of the progress, for want of a better word, is best found from the beginning. Just make up a character, perhaps one based on yourself or a personality trait, and go with it. F Scott Fitzgerald and Charlotte Bronte used characters based on themselves, and you can too.

Cooking – up until recently, much of my baking was out of a box, but that’s a one time deal. But now I have quite a collection of essential baking and cooking tools (as well as a search history showing a lot of hits for BBC Food). So far, my projects have included sushi, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake and carrot cake. I did try those fluffy Japanese cheesecakes a couple of times but it has more of an omelette consistency once its cooled.

Tidying – yes, tidying. Organising. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I truly think tidying might be one of the most therapeutic things you can do. Tidying, organising, they give you control over your space and, in some ways, your life. Dramatic maybe, but mentally, I always feel happier in a clean room with fresh bedding and all my washing exactly where I know it should be. I also like to organise my books, not for the fact that they’ll be organised, but for the process of sorting them, into whatever system strikes at the time. Genre, alphabetically, author, authors alphabetically, anything goes. I personally have mine based on read, fiction and nonfiction. The other night, I did sort my gemstone collection too. Just to look at the pretty colours.