One of the ASUM team felt this may be the perfect time to finish the knitting project she began two years ago!

ASUMCare4U: Knitting

Published 18 June 2020
by ASUM Team
#ASUMCare4U #Knitting #InThisTogether #WellBeing

ASUM Team

Published 18 June 2020

#ASUMCare4U
#Knitting
#InThisTogether
#WellBeing

Now is probably the best time for us to explore new hobbies or complete the unfinished projects that have been hanging around for a while. One of the ASUM team felt this may be the perfect time to finish the knitting project she began two years ago. Why not? Many have said that knitting is not only fun, but brings many other surprising health benefits such as:

Inducing a relaxed state
Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
Stress relief
Fostering creativity

So she gave it a go and shared the experience with us:

Sadly, we can no longer recommend knitting as an option for self-care and managing stress based on the updated feedback from her.

The ASUM team would instead recommend avoiding this hobby unless you are experienced. You can instead explore cooking, calligraphy, dancing, karaoke, learning a new language, reading, audio books and so many more.

#InThisTogether

While many of us will have felt overwhelmed or exhausted over the last few weeks, there are a number of red flags listed by BeyondBlue to indicate that you, or someone you know, needs more help.

Uncharacteristic behaviour;
Getting into a lot of conflict with family, friends or work, can signal you’re overstretched;
Making silly mistakes at work;
Withdrawing from your world;
Massive exhaustion on the weekends;
Overly self-critical thoughts;
Feelings of depression, hopelessness or worry.

Beyond Blue has a mental health self-checklist, that may provide a good starting point to consider and document your feelings and need for support.

Visit www.coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au for more online mental wellbeing and support resources and discussion forums.

AUSTRALIA

Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support – 1800 512 348

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

www.headtohealth.gov.au

NEW ZEALAND

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)

Lifeline – free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)