Threads of Peace: Navigating Stressful Weeks with Yarn, Yoga, and Self-Compassion

Welcome to another week of still working on the Dottie shawl. Life has been busy for about a week, leaving me with very little time to knit. Add in my irritability from yesterday, which might still be lingering today, and well, I’m sure you get the picture. If you have ever had one of those weeks where everything feels overwhelming and you barely find time for the things that bring you peace, you are not alone. Have you had a difficult week, too? I would love to hear if you have had similar experiences or what helps you get through those tough stretches.

Last week, being able to knit just a row or two of the shawl was helpful in helping me relax from the stress of PTSD. The last couple of days, I have not been able to do even that, and apparently, I am feeling the lack of calm and relaxation in my daily life. This morning I am busy with homeschooling and errands, but by 2 or 2:30 I should be able to turn on a relaxing show and knit for a few hours.

I can not wait for that relaxation time; however, I might be more like a zombie by then. Being out in the world, where everyone else is, drains me of everything I have. My energy, mood, and mental capacity are all gone after a couple of hours out and about.

Small Acts of Self-Care

To help manage my stress, I am going to start my day with some gentle self-care routines. One of my favorites is a short morning yoga practice on Gaia with Tiffany Bush called Balanced Morning Flow. It is a gentle, easy yoga practice to start your day, focusing on gently waking up the nervous system with simple stretches and deep breathing—just 15 minutes of being kind to yourself —and

A woman gracefully practices the tree pose by a tranquil lakeside, embracing calm and balance in nature.

then you end in the tree pose.

I will also make time for a brief guided morning meditation before showering. Hopefully, taking care of myself with yoga and meditation before starting my day will help me be a person still when I arrive home later today, and I will be able to relax and enjoy my knitting.

Last night, while I was waiting for my face mask to dry, I started knitting a dishcloth. A pin on Pinterest inspired me yesterday. I used to knit dishcloths all the time because they're easy to carry and the basic rhythm is enjoyable in many ways.

If you are looking for a simple pattern to try, one of my favorites is the classic garter stitch dishcloth: just cast on 45 stitches, knit every row until it forms a square, then bind off. I love how relaxing it is, and the result is both useful and cheerful. If you have a favorite dishcloth pattern or a technique you enjoy, I’d love to hear about it, too!

Finding Calm through knitting

Reflecting on my knitting journey, I’m reminded of how these creative projects are more than just hobbies—they're a way to anchor myself through life’s unpredictability. Whether it’s a complex shawl or a simple dishcloth, each stitch helps me reconnect with a sense of purpose and calm. Even on days when I can only manage a handful of stitches, the act of making something with my hands offers a gentle reminder that progress, however small, is still meaningful.

An update on the shawl: I am two rows away from starting the ruffle, which is the very last part before I cast off and weave in the ends.

Remember to take care of yourself as you go through life’s ups and downs. I know life with mental and emotional stress is difficult to live and navigate for yourself, but every little thing you can do to take care of yourself is a step in the right direction. What small acts of self-care or joyful knitting moments have helped you recently? I’d love to hear how you take care of yourself or which creative projects bring you peace. Sharing our little wins can help us all feel a bit more connected and supported.