Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanza, the next four or five weeks will be insanely busy for all of us. We need to do things to take care of ourselves.

Tomorrow I am going over to my friend Elaine’s house. We have a day of knitting planned. Like Marie,I am an avid knitter. I have only been knitting for a few years, and haven’t mastered some of the more complicated patterns yet, but I can make some beautiful things.

Elaine and her daughter do not knit, so I am heading to their house to teach them. It will be an incredible day, no matter how much knitting we get done, or don’t get done. I have blogged about Elaine before. I think she’s an amazing mom. I am looking forward to meeting her biological daughter, and her two grandchildren.

Spending time with people who “get it” is always one of the best things we can do. We can let our guard down and talk freely. Most of the kids will be at school so we will have the opportunity to be very open.

I am also looking forward to spending time with emotionally healthy little ones. I have met Elaine’s youngest child and I am in love with the adorable little girl. Partly because she reminds me very much of Mackenzie, but also because she has a wonderful personality and eyes that can melt your heart. Elaine’s grandchildren have been well loved and well raised. She sends me photos of them often and it is apparent that these kids are getting fantastic care, lots of nurturing, and are well bonded.

Whenever Elaine and I talk, we always end up laughing. Everyone knows that laughter is good for your mental health. I have no doubt there will be plenty of laughter tomorrow.

Knitting has many health benefits, partly because it employs several of your senses. Sight, touch, and sound are primary. If you have ever been around anyone who knits, you can hear the rhythmic clicking of the needles as the project is being worked. Sight is incorporated on different levels with color and possibly the style or pattern of the yarn, along with reading a pattern if necessary for the project. Touch is obvious; the feeling of the yarn passing through your hands. Most people choose yarns that are very soft. I very rarely knit with a yarn if I don’t like the texture. It must feel good as it passes through my fingers, otherwise my finished project won’t feel good.

Knitting is also a form of meditation and yoga. The rhythm you use while knitting, especially if it is a rather “easy” pattern, can help to lower blood pressure and stress levels.

If have a particular skill or craft, this is a good time to work on it. Whether it’s writing, painting, needle work or any other type of creative process, dive on in and you may find your stress level going faster than you thought. Check the guilt at the door and take some time to enjoy yourself. You deserve it.

Photo credit - Blanket I knit for the ATN conference