[Deborah A Dortzbach]

Michelle, I love your activity–and I also find that cooking helps me–just the kitchen aromas and promise of yummy delights coming from something I made as well as the enjoyment of sharing goodies with others and getting the focus off myself. Other activities that nurture strength and harness anxiety include uplifting music. I am trying to build more of that into my day–either practicing the instrument I play or just listening more intentionally. My faith helps me very much and I pray and read my Bible regularly as an anchor to my day. Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of stress-filled days, when the unpredictability of myasthenia is a particular stress-trigger, but I know I have a quiver of possible activities I can pull out to help.

[Cyndi DeHoff]

When covid hit , my anxiety increased significantly and my usual relaxation trick of doing puzzles or reading were no longer working.  I found my late mother in laws old sewing machine in the closet and decided to teach myself how to make a quilt like she did for something new to do.    I didn’t know the first the about sewing machines, fabrics, or quilts but I soon learned that there was a lot to learn and I loved the endless creative side.  I find it relaxing to sit in my sewing room now and just create and learn new things   It’s my happy place now.

I also have to add that playing with/petting my dogs is still my number one way to reduce anxiety