Diversional Therapy

Diversional therapy is an activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns. In my case, I am trying to divert my feelings of depression and anxiety. I have a few things I do to help distract myself from those difficult feelings.

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately specifically quilting. I have a few projects going at the moment. A huge quilt for our bed, and a quilt for the single bed in our room. A smaller quilt to use as a lap quilt in the cooler months as well as some placemats and a table runner. Quilting has helped me to get through each day and helps to keep the worrying away. Since our daughter moved out her room has become the perfect sewing room warm and sunny with a view to the chooks and kangaroos in our backyard.

Writing in my journal has been a cathartic experience. I haven’t written for a long time but when I look back at my past journaling I realised it has all been done whilst I have been unwell. It’s obvious to me journaling is a way to not only divert my feelings of sadness, anxiety, and frustration it has also been a place where I can express myself. Sometimes I have writer’s block. I expect in time my journaling will stop. I don’t know when that will happen.

Now I am trying another diversionary activity and that is to get out into the garden. My attempts have been sporadic but I’m working on it. I have been watering the veggie patch and pulling out some weeds and leafy greens that have gone to seed. Dave staked up some tomatoes for me. The soil is very, very dry, we have had nothing but a shower or two in months. Summer looks like it’s going to be a scorcher. Hopefully, we will still have enough water in the tanks to use on the garden.

Cooking has also helped. When I’m cooking I am often following a new recipe so it involves a bit of concentration. Again diverting the unhelpful thoughts.

Going to aquaerobics, gym and yoga has also helped both body and mind and gives me something to look forward to. Although my sore knee makes it a bit more difficult. Now I’m going to water the veggie patch.

This is a quilt I made for my niece’s marriage. She is in London. She told me it was the best wedding gift she received. That made me feel really good.