The importance of a project to reduce anxiety; my chunky knit cardigan example.

I was delighted this week when I was listening to a podcast and they confirmed what I always knew ~ A creative project helps to reduce anxiety (Thank you Mel Robbins and Martha Beck)Studies have been done and the results were in!

For me starting a new project is like a drug... I get intoxicated with the idea and my brain just does not stop. Let me give you an example;

The birth of my Daisy Cardigan

Last year when I was working in my little coffee van a customer asked me if I made adult cardigans. “No, they would take me too long and I am just not that clever”.  The lovely customer encouraged me and her voice remained in my head. It started with just a little niggle... "Could I?" "Should I?", "What if?" were all the questions that I asked my self. And these questions became louder and louder until I could not ignore it any longer. I had to try make an adult cardigan.

Then I went on a deep dive of research. When I get on this role I am soooo excited and the nugget of the project is too much, often it keeps me up at night and wakes me early in the morning, so eager I am to start on this project. It was not anxiety keeping me awake, it was the idea of the project.

I researched the pattern, the yarn needed, the needles I would use. How I could incorporate the knitting into my day. Anxiety was quietened... my brain was happily busy working on all the details.

Then I started to create the cardigan, making, undoing, reknitting rewriting, trialling and knitting. This is when I am in the Flow. Time moves incredibly fast and my brain is connected to the project. I am firmly in my happy place.

And before I knew it, the Daisy Cardigan was made. I was able to knit the cardigan! I was amazed at myself. Never in my wildest dream did I think that I would be able to make an adult sized cardigan. And I love it. Using the chunky yarn, the cardi was made up quicker then I thought possible.

All the excuses I told myself in why I could not make an adult cardigan was obilerated. My self worth exploded. I was so proud of myself. And my anxiety, well it had to take a little leave of absence.

As for the lovely coffee customer who made the suggestion? On her next visit to the coffee van, I gave her a free coffee (just don't tell my husband ;)

So this is an important reminder. Do not give up on an idea of a project, no matter how big it may be. Just start! You may surprise yourself at just how clever you are! And for a little while your anxiety may have to take the back seat.

The Chunky Daisy Cardigan

Have a great day,

Melissa

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