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Loucobamd's avatar
Loucobamd
Member
10 years ago

Rediscover coloring in and jigsaws

Hi ladies,

Im home recovering from my bilateral lat dorsi so exercise is limited to walking at the moment (nothing wrong with my legs). I find it hard to relax and almost impossible to meditate my daughter (from a conference she attended) talked about mindfulness and the previous post prompted me to share a couple of things I'm doing. My daughter printed some mandala pictures from the Internet some are more complicated than others and I am colouring them using colored pencils. I also got a jigsaw puzzle from a friend not too big only about A4size so I don't have to reach. I'm finding these two things quite relaxing and I'm able to switch off from the other "chatter" that is usually going on in my head. I feel this is a good start and I would like to be able to meditate eventually. It was fun to get the colouring box out of the cupboard with the kids and grandkids old colouring books, lots of memories. My visitors sit at the dining table with me and as we chat we add pieces to the puzzle.

I do have an iPad that I have games, puzzles, books etc etc on but it's not the same as using a pencil  and paper!

Louise x

Reconstruction
  • Gillian2069's avatar
    Gillian2069
    Member
    10 years ago

    When my head is really busy, I use guided meditations rather than my usual silent meditation. I have found Tara Brach's online audios helpful. Easy to find via Google.

    I've also taken to doing sukoku puzzles again. While my brain is busy with a puzzle, I actively relax arms, legs, face and torso. Then I do it again. Very enjoyable!

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Hi Louise, Thanks so much for sharing! I was sitting at home over Easter (not often do I have a few days to simply do nothing) and I really wanted a colouring in book! I went to bookshops, craft stores - nothing! So I filled my weekend up with sleeping eating and sleeping - which wasn't too bad! Then a lady at work suggested 'The Secret Garden' - similar concept to the ones Sue suggested - http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-Inky-Treasure-Coloring/dp/1780671067

    In the mean time - I am going to do the print out option! Great idea from your daughter and an amazing anti-stress, in the moment - creative activity! Love it. x

  • Steph_Fletcher's avatar
    Steph_Fletcher
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Louise,

    Hi Louise, it sounds like your alternatives to meditation and mindfulness are working really well. As long as you're feeling relaxed and enjoying yourself, that is a great start. As the mind can only process one thought at a time, concentrating on these relaxing activities will help. I was thinking, you might like to explore soundrown. This web based app runs calming sounds on loop, like rain, fire, birds chirping and even cafe noises. It's nice to listen to if your environment is bustling with distractions. Take care and keep up the good work X Steph

  • R_T__Chair's avatar
    R_T__Chair
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Louise,

    You might like these colouring in books. http://www.emmafarrarons.com/THE-MINDFULNESS-COLOURING-BOOK-Anti-stress-art-therapy-for-busy-people and there is another called Colour Me Calm.

    Art is a great way to keep the blues at bay.

    Sue

    xx