Crochet, Exercise and Depression

Today's Blog is different than what I usually write.

but Please stick with me and I think you will understand

 what I am writing about.

I am also, putting myself out there 
and getting a little bit personal!

Crochet, Exercise and Depression 

 3 things you would not think go together.

Google them and you will find a "mega ton" of information 

and how they can work together and with great benefits!

My Exercise Area.

There are Many  Mental Health  Benefits of Crocheting

And knitting also.

There are also many Mental Health Benefits From Exercise

And as I read through both lists,

There are a lot of similarities!

 "Building self-esteem, reducing stress, 

and releasing positive

 feelings in the form of serotonin.

 All of these benefits lead to an 

increase in positive feeling".

Okay, A little bit about me

I have never been diagnosed with Clinical Depression, 

But I have had times in my life,
 were I was completely depressed.

And I think if we are honest, we all have.

Shortly after we moved to Colorado, 
some events happened that totally threw
 me into a deep depression.

I felt Sucker punched, literally, 
By people who really didn't even
 know me or my family.

And just a little note of Caution - 
DO NOT MESS WITH MY FAMILY!

 I am a happy, "always looking on
 the bright side" sort of person, an encourager. 

But this situation just about did me in.

I Love living here, It is gorgeous!,
but I was hurting. 

Words and Gossip do hurt,
 and I was ready to give up.

But...... I didn't

I joined the Local Rec Center and began water aerobics 

and got to know some really wonderful ladies.

And 

I started really putting a lot of emphasis in my Crochet  
and Crochet Designs 

and started doing more net working and 
got to know a lot a wonderful designers.

I would be lying if I said that, 
that"situation" doesn't hurt anymore,
 I have just decided, not to let it rule my life.

So I try to Exercise and Crochet Everyday!
Yes, That is a Crochet Project on my Bowflex Tread Climber.
This is my Exercise Area!
On days I don't go to the Rec. Center, I exercise at home.
Tread climber, (Santa Brought it to me for Christmas this year)
yoga, small weights, bands, and Ball work.

This is my View When I am exercising!
That is Pike's Peak -- the Snow has melted,
Still a Wonderful View.

I Know "Crochet and Exercise", 
is not a "prescription"
For Depression. But, I believe it was for me.

Has Crochet and/ or 

Exercise helped you with depression?