The month of April is “Stress Awareness Month”. I don’t know about you – but I know that I’ve been feeling rather anxious with everything that’s been going on. This anxiety can make facing challenges, obstacles and deadlines seem overwhelming.
I believe that we are living in a moment that is historical. Democracy is on the line in the US. Canada’s very sovereignty is under threat. And we are not alone in dealing with threats of annexation – look to Greenland, Panama, Gaza….
But we cannot let the darkness overwhelm us. There are glimmers of light – and these glimmers are getting brighter by the moment. Greenland sent Vance and his wife home with their tails between their legs, clearly demonstrating that Greenlanders would not welcome anyone who is threatening their country. Senator Cory Booker orated for over 25 hours on the floor of the Senate, breaking the previous record held by Strom Thurmond whose 24 hour and 18 minute filibuster was intended to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. It’s so important to note that Senator Booker did not read “Green Eggs and Ham”, nor did he recite election laws from each US state. He spoke eloquently and passionately on the damage that has been done to the American government, its people and its international reputation since Trump’s inauguration. And, on the same day as Senator Booker‘s marathon speech, the State of Wisconsin elected Judge Susan Crawford to the Supreme Court, beating her Republican opponent Brad Schimel despite Elon Musk’s attempt to buy Schimel’s win by giving away million dollar cheques.
Canada, too, has its heroes. Charlie Angus, recently retired MP for Timmins/James Bay, has been extremely vocal in his fight against Trump and his fight for Canada. Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers made the expression “Elbows Up” a rallying cry for Canadians when he appeared on Saturday Night Live. Now Charlie Angus is bringing his “Elbows Up” speaking tour to locations all across our nation. Our Prime Minister Mark Carney has been firm in his position that Canada will never be the 51st state, that our French language requirements are not up for negotiation, that we will fight tariff for tariff in Trump’s unjust trade war designed to destroy Canada’s economy. He is strengthening our relationships with our European allies. He is working with our Premiers to reduce our interprovincial trade barriers, thereby thwarting the potential damage of Trump’s tariffs. And we can’t forget the Canadian public. The people of this country created a grassroots movement, boycotting American goods, avoiding travel to the US to such a degree that cross-border bookings on flights to the US for spring/summer 2025 are down by an astounding 70+ %!
It's incredibly admirable that we Canadians, through our purchasing power, are playing such a vital role in our fight for our country. But it is equally important that we take care of ourselves at the same time. I spoke about glimmers of hope. However, the term “glimmers” has taken on a more all-encompassing meaning. If you strive to live more in the moment, enjoying the small blessings that life gifts us each and every day, you are living a life of gratitude which, in turn, helps to regulate your nervous system. A friend said just today that he doesn’t immerse himself in the news on a daily basis. We have only so many laps around the sun and he doesn’t want to waste time being anxious about things over which he has no control. I know that I have in all likelihood completed 75% of my laps. After losing my brother and having two sisters face serious health challenges this past year, I am more aware than ever that time is both precious and fleeting.
I’m also very thankful that I rediscovered the joy of knitting. Mental health professionals often use knitting to ease anxiety and depression symptoms. Knitting’s repetitive motions create a sense of calm, lowering your heart rate and reducing cortisol (a stress hormone). Knitting promotes mindfulness, bringing a sense of calmness and purpose – similar to meditation or yoga! Like working puzzles, knitting keeps our brains active. And I love that, more and more, you are seeing people gather together to knit and enjoy one another’s company. Social isolation and loneliness are serious threats to both our mental and physical health. Whether you’re looking to improve focus, reduce stress, or simply relax, knitting might just be what the doctor ordered.
Let’s create a new habit in April. Let’s focus on managing our stress using whatever methods work for us as unique individuals. Yes, there may be battles ahead. If we reduce our stress, we will improve our physical and mental health and be more resilient to any challenges we face. Elbows up and happy knitting!
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