I like to draw cars and honesty, they look terrible but they're wonky and cute in their own way and it reminds me of when I was a kid and fearlessly drew whatever I wanted just because it made me happy 🌈
I, too, have been feeling restless and overwhelmed much more than usual lately. It could be the long dark winter we've been having, the state of the world, or the many juggling tasks I have as a self-employed professional. I find that I turn to sewing and sowing. Sewing by hand relaxes me, even if it's just for 30 minutes. And soon there will be seed sowing time, which is probably my greatest joy (gardening, in general).
Good Morning Ana and Ulysses xxx THANK YOU as always for another brilliant video xxx I have had a few very bad weeks filled with lots of anxiety and stress and noise but had Friday and the weekend off - I'm very thankful for the time I could spend at home with my precious kitties and to just try and quiet my mind again. I found that doing little repetitive but meaningful tasks around the home helped calm my mind - I made some kitchen towels and mended some of the kittie blankets and also painted a wall in my bedroom. All these little tasks really helps for just find that bit of quiet time in my poor mind that was so overwhelmed with all the noise and the rush etc. This morning I am back at work but feeling much better. Wishing you a Ulysses and wonderful quiet week filled with lots of creativity and love. Pauli & Kitties
Dear Pauli and Kitties, I'm so glad to hear you've got three days to relax from stress at work🌸 Hope the week will be smooth and filled with good moments! Sending love 💚
Dear Ana, thank you for this thoughtful video. 🌺 Going back to some very basic physical activities also works wonders for me. After watching some RU-vid videos about it, I discovered hand sewing. It’s so calming to me, which took me by surprise because I had thought, it would agitate me because it is going so slow. But on the contrary it feels really satisfying to slowly Do something by hand. I might never be able to create the beautiful garments from other centuries which these women in the videos were making. I just love sitting there, stitching along.
I’ve started every morning this year by reading the Tolstoy calendar - I’ve had it for years but have not always been a diligent reader. The different quotes inspire to think about life outside the box and give perspective A walk in nature never lets one down either.
Getting outside in nature is revitalizing to me, as well as walking and doing yoga when I remember to. Art work is kind of a "should" for me because it's how I make part of my living, so it's work, but profoundly fulfilling. I admire friends for whom art is relaxing! Your kalimba is a beautiful instrument, and I love the sound of the tongue drum. Your videos are a soothing oasis! Thank you so much!
One of the things that relaxes me is watching your videos. We have a lot in common. I am a vegan and a minimalist too. Plus I’m originally from Russia (I left the country in 1995), so it feels very nostalgic to me when you talk about Russian culture. I’m really glad I found your channel.
hello Ana. What i do to relax depends on the time of year here in Alberta, Canada. I read, knit, watch great youtube channels from women natural lifestyle bloggers around the world, cook comforting warm food in the winter. In the summer, i am outside planting, weeding and eventually harvesting from my large garden from when i get home from work to when it gets dark at night. I love that i have these seasonal ways to relieve my fears and anxiety, to be creative and to be a producer of my own happiness.
Hi Ana. A lovely video. I like cooking as a way of being creative, and calming myself. Making bread from scratch can be an exercise in mindfulness - concentrating on the kneading of the dough, and feeling the texture change. Then, it's ready to bake!
I agree about the journaling, I have been copying quotes from favorite books almost as long as I can remember. It was interesting that when cleaning out our Grandparent’s house I found one of my Grandfather’s journals, and he did the same thing. I saw a lot of Marx, Engels, Tolstoy. I have experimented with meditation in various forms, but for me the best is short naps. I can often nap for exactly 20 minutes without setting a timer.
Oh Ana how can you say you are not talented ? You are a linguist, your English is superb. We all have different talents, we just need to explore to discover what it is we are good at. Much love from the UK xx
Lovely video! I like darning socks and mending clothes. There's something relaxing about sewing, and the feel of the fabric. Plus, knowing that I'm making the most of my clothes helps soothe the eco-anxiety.
Another thing I do is to walk the streets, public places, beaches & river banks collecting rubbish, recyclables as well as cans and bottles I can get a refund on in my country. This action is very much needed, gets me focussed on community service and out of my worrying head. I get exercise as well. I love it. Some people volunteer to work in charity shops but I’m choosing more flexible options that are covid safe. I do t go to crowded places but go later when the crowds have gone as there is always plenty of rubbish to collect then.
My way to release stress and anxiety is watching your videos Ana … 🥰❤️ and I bet you are a wonderful musician because you are so connected to yourself and your environment ✨💖✨
Great video! I make lists, to do, what I feel, etc. That helps me focus away from my mental anxieties. Thanks again, funny how handicraft is really grounding!
Great video, such good and unique tips! Every time I watch your videos, I think, “we could great be friends!” Probably everyone thinks that who watches your videos. Thanks for being a friend across the screen. ♥️
Thank you again my friend. If very unsettled I do macro photography. If I can go outside I take pictures of leaves or petals or insects, or patterns of shade. If I am stuck inside I photograph reflections or patterns in the carpet or anything really. I get very lost in this activity and usually feel much better.
Dearest Ana, I have become a huge fan of your videos, which are so interesting and touching. I also love your soft and sensitive way of seeing the things in life. I live alone, too and my boyfriend is far away, so I know these feelings you are talking about. In these cases, I like to listen to some music or I read a good book. I wish I could make pictures, but I'm not gifted. So, I also like watching your viedeos or other videos from other minimalist. These are so inspiring. I wish you all the best, a nicht day and Im looking forward to seeing another video of you. Greetings from Germany Natalie
Oh Natalie, I'm sorry you have to be apart from your boyfriend. It's tough, I know... Hope you'll be happy together soon! Thank you for your kind words of support 🌼 Sending love to Germany
Hi Ana, thank you for your tips. There is a Japanese art called Kintsugi, have you heard of it? Its where once beautiful objects which have broken, are pieced together with gold, so that you can see the imperfections. I enjoy fixing broken objects and leaving the imperfections so that one can see nothing is ever perfect but can become beautiful again. I think your tea towels are beautiful, the fabric looks so lovely, would make a beautiful shirt too. Well I think so anyway. I am often anxious and also very sensitive, which is hard to deal with at times. Sitting quietly in my small garden listening to the wind blowing through the trees calms me down. I wrote this once sitting in my garden. SITTING QUIETLY IN NATURE, YOU CAN HEAR THE BEAUTY OF HER SOUND. take care, from Gale.
I am exactly the same about journaling. I am currently going through a very challenging period in my life and I have tried to journal my feelings about the situation but I find it very triggering. Relived to know I’m not the only one. I love the linen fabric for kitchen towels. I wish I could get some here in the UK. I love your videos. Very gentle and calming.
Anything that you focus on and gives you that feeling of "flow" - something that brings you outside yourself and breaks that mesmerizing anxiety. I play guitar. Mood lift , breaks restlessness. Guaranteed.
Dearest Ana 💗 Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts and ideas on distracting from anxiety and overwhelm. I always look much forward to your videos and your Widding. I love CrossStitching, machine sewing things for our home and paper Crafting; collage, making journals and ephemera and more. I also recognize that when anxiety is high I can’t focus on things, so I rather watch youtube or listen to fave music from my Spotify playlist. I wish you a relaxing and cosy sunday afternoon and evening 💗
Thank you for the good ideas. Another thing you can do, which can be quite surprising and interesting is to draw something but with your "wrong" hand. For example I am right handed and not good at drawing, but in a way I think I'm better with my left hand! It's quite fun☺ There will be more "life" in the drawing and the result is more interesting. I suppose it's beacause it's right out, without the control that you have in your usual writing hand. (Maybe better when you are bored, I don't know...)
Thank you for these tips Ana! I do this kalyaka thing too - but with watercolours - splash something and then re-imagine shapes and forms with pen :-) And yes - physically making things is very therapeutic, as there is a sense of creation and accomplishment arises at the end. I also do mundane things to calm myself down, such as dusting or dish washing - but in complete presence and being in the moment. I find there is some kind of enjoyment in it.
I totally agree I have used all these methods of my own variety and have done for many years. I also find posting messages such as here or on twitter or Facebook about things that I am concerned about or want to comment on or feel strongly about. Now I’m 66 I feel I do have some wise opinions to put out there in my own way. Yes art & making things are great too.
Oh my gosh. This video is my favorite of every RU-vid video I’ve seen. I coach caregivers and widows who have a hard time with self care. I’ve never heard ideas like this. Will share your video widely ♥️
This was really timely for me to listen to. I also get that restlessness when I am overwhelmed or anxious and can't settle my mind and I find that doing something with my hands can really help me get out of my head. Thank you for sharing.
this video has given me some great ideas - i often struggle with mindfulness myself. thank you for all your great content Ana, lots of love from the UK x
lovely, just what i needed to listening today, after an intense day. My mind is always scattered, all over the place, and need to find ways to relax more often. Your vlogs always bring confort :) Best
Such an informative and comforting video; I also love the colours that you choose to wear they seem soothing and flattering as well. Perfect to listen to and visualize here in the depths of winter!
Your suggestions are so grounded, pure, creative and beautiful. Thank you so much! I look forward to your messages each week, but this one really struck me with it’s simple, yet effective suggestions. Much love!
Thank you, Ana! I’m a recent subscriber and I’m really enjoying you’re videos. You seem so sweet and you’re voice is calming. Thank you for these ideas😊
I love non linear reading! I really struggle to control the anxiety I have and you have reminded me of some things I really need to be intentional about. Thank you for that my sweet Siberian friend!!
I practice.minimalism extreme from same time to now. It's called dumpster diving. I live in a country where extreme consumerism is the norm. People tear almost new goods to the trash bin crazily. I pick some of that stuff, I clean it, disinfect it, and repair it by mysel if possible. If not , I pick that cleaned stuff and then I go to the shoe repair, or the lady who adjusts and repairs clothes and so on. In doing this I'm helping to keep alive those tradicional ways of living and I also help to eliminate a certain amount of potencial trash. In the northern region of Chile threre's an important desert zone which now is heavily polluted with hundress of tons of torn off fast fashion clothes that came from Europe to be left there, causing inmense damage to the environment
Yeah this is so me😁 when my hands are busy my mind is more at peace, and i like writing, knitting, sewing, doing plant chores... I like ur kitchen towels 💜
Hello Ana 😊👋 Thank you for the very nice ideas .🌻🌈I myself am a creative too and find things overwhelming sometimes .So hard to be organized and calm in the mind ,I overthink things and stress myself out fast.Drawing helps me relax but when I look at the paper it is hard to find inspiration or I lose interest .I also sing kareoke on my phone and poorly attempt to make notes on my acoustic guitar😭😂I also have been dying to play a steel handpan ,they look so fun, but omg! The price of them is crazy expensive😳🤯I hope one day I can know the sounds these beautiful instruments make up close.
Hi Ana! I like to hike when I can or clean and organize things. I find the organizing especially gives me another focus and the hiking helps me work out things in my mind. Great to see you again.
The Kalimba!!! My son plays the kalimba every night to relax his 8yr old daughter and 5yr old son to sleep. It is so lovely and comforting. Even more special now that I know you also have and relax with the kalimba. You look lovely today! Thank you for starting my day off happy and free to be me🦋 Wishing you peace and happiness and a day that flows with ease and grace💜 Julia
Ana, I am so happy that you are enjoying your Kalimba. I would say that music is my number one passion, and am always listening to it, mainly classical. I am a classical pianist, but I have thought of buying a kalimba, and now I am going to do that! To feel happy and calm, I do my daily yoga and I like reading and watching classic movies. Films help me a lot. I love the old Hollywood actors and movies that are joyful and intelligent.
You also have a Kalimba. I just bought one as a gift for myself and would like to teach me to play some melodies. but just intuitive playing give so lovely tunes.
Ana, I love your suggestions. I have depression and anxiety as well, and your easily accessible ideas are something I think I can manage even on a very dark day. Like you, I am not musical. As for singing, I can't carry a tune in a bucket! A simple instrument like your kalimba is brilliant and soothing at the same time. Thanks for a video that deeply resonates with me. Have a wonderful week!
Ah, Kalyaki! I used to do something very similar when I was a child. I think I called it ‘scribble art’ or ‘doodle’. I had forgotten this. I never considered myself a creative sketcher or artist, but doing an exercise like kalyaki I always was able to end up with a drawing I had fun with and got my creativity going. Like you, I like to knit and sew and belong to a sewing group. To relax, I like nothing more than putting my feet up and reading a book. I always fancied the idea of playing a guitar - perhaps I will get myself one some day. Loved the video Ana 😊
Yes! Creativity is the best stress relief there is, at least for me. I knit for hours everyday, and sometimes dye my own yarns. Both reduce anxiety and no doubt release feel good endorphins, just as the art work and musical instrument you shared. On my books to read list is a book by Kelly Lambert, "Lifting Depression: A Neuroscientist's Hands-On Approach to Activating Your Brain's Healing Power". The "hands-on" mainly refers to creating with our hands. I think it would be an interesting read. Thanks again for sharing with us, and peace to you 💜
Hi Ana! I really enjoyed this video. It's so interesting that you mentioned playing music even though you don't consider yourself 'talented' - but somebody who can still enjoy the process. I used to try to play the guitar and harmonica, and I was always told that I just don't have the right hearing for music, which is probably true, but I still used to really enjoy it. I stopped many years ago even with trying, but I feel like that your video sparked something in me to try again, just for myself, just for the experience, so I might gather my courage. What you said about doing something crafty and creative is totally something I do all the time as well! Not with sewing but making friendship bracelets. There's something super calming and soothing about the fact that each knot that I tie has its own place - and when I do this, tying knots one by one, putting them in their 'places', I feel like I can find peace and my place again. Thank you for this newest video! Love from Hungary! :)
Dear Ana, thank you for this video and all the others! I am so sick of the overwhelming content on youtube that I normally watch. With yours I find so much peace and inspiration, it is a real gift! You always succeed at grounding me and making me see my life in a different perspective. I don't think I ever saw a content like yours on the internet, it is so new and refreshing and yet holds such an ancient wisdom. Also, I relate to your Soviet stories as my mother is Polish and I have spent an immense amount of time at my grand-parents in Poland, with landscapes that look just like what you show in your videos (inside and outside). Your content talks to my slavic soul and it feels very good. When I am stressed, I use my sewing machine or go for long walks. I also like to write a lot. Again, thank you for being such a wonderful light in this messy internet
Dear Saskia, what a wonderful comment! Thank you so much for it as it warmed my heart and made me smile 💚 and also brought a great feeling of support and connection. Sending love to your beautiful Slavic soul, my friend 😘
Lovely video Ana! I like to knit simple things to relax...blankets or scarves without a lot of counting or complicated pattern. I just concentrate on making one stitch after another after another while I listen to podcasts or watch a movie. Also walking my dog. I let him go slow and smell all the places he wants as long as he wants. I enjoy him enjoying himself and forget what I am anxious about.
Thank you Ana for sharing your thoughts and methods of relaxation. I am struggling with finding a life of my own since my husband has passed. I was his caregiver for years and the friends and activities I had have moved on without me. I feel lost and anxious when I need to go out into the world. I will try these methods.
I have a bag of words I cut out from magazines which I like to rearrange and try to make poems from... you can use glue or tape to keep the words in place on paper when you are finished. I remember you like to make colleges so you probably have a lot of pages with words that you can use for this ☺️
The instrument from your brother was a very thoughtful gift. You have given useful tips Ana! I find that food prep is quite satisfying for me with the rhythmic chopping of vegetables and experimenting with different textures and seasonings. It is good to eat the end product too! Hope you have a lovely creative weekend. x
hey thanks for sharing all those great tips Ana. It's impossible today not to feel anxious and stressed out. Having someone to talk to about it can help too. I have a therapist that I trust, and although therapy can be expensive, it really helps. A very simple thing I also do sometimes is go to the grocery and purchase a small treat to enjoy. Something I would not normally buy. I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing you demonstrate that wonderful public instrument you mentioned!🙂
Thank you for these tips! My brother bought me a similar gift a few years ago: a ukulele :D. I wish I had more time on my hands to practice, but it is indeed extremely relaxing when I do it. And we also deepen our sibling bond like this because he's a musician, so he teaches me stuff sometimes. I also love knitting and recently I got very serious with yoga, and I love it, even though my favourite form of exercise and unwind is walking, especially in nature. I think these bring me the most calm. Pretty classic, but this is what I do ^_^
Creating is a way to relieve stress and it does not matter if we are "good" or not at it. It is the fact that we experience the action of creating which is important. Children draw, make music, try new things even if they are not good at it. They unconsciously love to be in the moment in everything they do and they are happy!!!
Hi Ana, I like to do handicraft, for example sewing simple clothes or mittens for myself or as a present. It is both fun and useful. Sometimes I also get a great comfort from reading. The hardest part is just to begin. When there is no place for such activities when I am for example at work, I just try to breathe deeply to cut my physical reactions and then think where this confusing feeling come from or just being not to care about it just then.
Your channel is such a breath of fresh air! I'm also not a musician but I love musical instruments. I have a collection of samplers, synthesizers, drum machines, and a bass guitar. I like to record and experiment with ideas and love to try to achieve weird, interesting, and exquisite sounds out of it. I intend to release a cassette with these experiments someday...
I enjoy my alone time 💖 and watching a few dear RU-vid friends like you, seeing how each of you are doing and what you are doing uplifts me, encourages me ... the posts are like mini-visits ... Thank you so very much!!
Hi dear Ana, I always feel more calm after taking care of my plants or having a walk with the dog. I am highly sensitive and creative but some times I get overwhelmed. Rewinding by making a dough for cookies helps also. And listening to the music of Erik Satie. Kindest regards and thank you so much for your inspiring channel.
I have always been a fan of coloring, painting, sewing and singing as means to calm down. I'm chronically ill, so at a young age I found one of the best ways to manage my asthma when I have asthma attacks is to color because it takes my mind off the situation. I also enjoy felting now because there is something about stabbing fibers that is very calming even if I am just repairing something. Thanks for another insightful video
Art has healing properties, absolutely! I'm so glad you've found this beautiful way of getting with illness 🌸 Thank you for watching, dear Hannah! Sending love.
Каляки are actually considered a legit technique, I learned about it from my therapist :D I always see faces and figures in them, or flowers. My restless ADHD/CPTSD ass is unable to can traditional meditations, pulling teeth is literally a more pleasurable experience (cute nurse holds your head like a melon and snarky grandma shoves huge pliers in your mouth! Fun! Trying to sit still while feeling like your whole body is itching and your head is about to explode! Not fun!), but something physically involved like power walking or squshing, pulling and tearing the hell out of a handgum works quite nicely. The former actually noticeably reduces the duration of my anxiety attacks, probably because getting the blood pumping gets rid of stress hormones faster. Another cool thing is exercises that involve crossing the middle line of the body, like поза крюки, I forget why it works, but it's like a reset button for your brain, it gets distracted by the movement and forgets that it was freaking out. Another favorite of mine is screaming into a basin with water (who has two thumbs and enough repressed anger to fuel a power plant? This gal!), since it prevents the sound from traveling, so you can have all the catharsis you want without neighbors calling the cops on you. The water also makes it kinda like you're washing your troubles off and cleansing, which is nice. My sensory processing issues are that I'm constantly overstimulated on vision and hearing and understimulated on tactile, so when I'm fatigued or overwhelmed I cocoon. I'm planning to get a weighted blanket, but for the time being make do with four regular ones. I wrap myself nice and snug head to toe and just lie in warm dark silence thinking about something pleasant and replenishing, like favorite characters from my current media hyperfixation and my fanfiction ideas/own stories. Taking long soaks in a bath with something to watch and something to munch is also good. Your calimba is super cool! Don't worry about not being a skilled player. Being able to do something complex and flex on yourself and others is a pleasure in it's own right, but just chilling and making noises that make your lizard brain go "ooouuuh, tingly, do that again" is legit and healing in the "music is just a natural human behavior, and not everything has to be a goddamn competition" way. I haven't actually played-played my guitar since high school, but I sometimes take it out and strum it just to feel it's weight and assortment of textures in my hands and listen to the sounds of simple training patterns I still remember. As always, blame the rambles and the typos on sleep deprivation. Thank you for your videos, I hope you're having a great day! :3
Aww, your text is a pure aesthetic pleasure as always, my friend 😄 I thank your sleep-deprived beautiful mind for that! Also, a weighted blanket is a great idea. I want to try it too one day.
Ana, this video was short and very sweet, and rich with meaningful content. When you talked about music, strong emotions welled up in me, feelings of awe at the power of music, and of recommitment to making music, not just listening to it (which I also love). My main way of calming myself these days is tai chi, and I find that the more often I practice, the less my spirit gets out of whack! The images you use for your section titles really appeal to me. Be well.
The wonder of instruments like the Kalimba, is that they are very simple and it doesn't take much to find a way to enjoy the sound of them. The few moments you shared on your video were very nice.
These are great ideas, Ana. Thanks as always for your thoughtful videos. I love the sound that you make with that instrument, it's soft and soothing. As for me, in addition to the traditional ways to relieve stress that you mention, I enjoy embroidery, baking, and painting with watercolors. But sometimes I forget about them, so your video was a nice reminder to explore other ways to use up our bored or stressed or confused energy. I just finished a book that you might enjoy: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuoung. Have you heard of it or read it? I highly recommend it! Sending you sunshine from France :) Staci
Hi dear Staci! Thank you so much for the suggestion 💚I haven't heard of the book but have already found it in a Russian ebook store:) Sending love to you, my friend
Thank you again for a lovely, relaxing video Ana, the Scribble game is popular with people everywhere I think, making something funny or creative out of lots of random lines! Good luck with your new instrument, it sounds very therapeutic. x
