DOTTYMO

I sew every day and at every second of each. Cleaning, cooking etc is second place. Do you think it would be a good idea to have a quilting break from patchwork and find another hobby or activity? I shop on line and I live alone so no one stops me getting up at 6 in the morning and quilting all day until I fall asleep. I only go out to buy more fabric go to a class or a show.
I am thinking of making a new year resolution where I have to do something different every day to quilting. Go a walk , use camera or even mix with other people. I have no family so that is no option.

earthwalker

Sounds like you already know the answer....don't stop quilting but maybe slot in a swimming/fitness class, do some gardening, join a walking group or photography group or even volunteer your services within your community. Variety is the spice of life and staying in all day isn't doing your body a favour. We all need a bit of exercise, fresh air and Vitamin D. There is a programme advocating this in our community...Act - Belong - Commit...encouraging people to get out and about to improve mental/physical health. It is easy to become isolated, and besides, once you are out and about, you will surely come home inspired to design quilts based on what you encounter around you.

NJ Quilter

I agree that you would probably benefit from being outside and with other folks from time to time. I may not go 'out' every day but I do most days. If only to run a couple of errands. And even though I don't go out daily, when my car is on the fritz and I 'can't' go anywhere, geez, that's the time I want to get out the most!

Barb in Louisiana

Do they have quilt guilds anywhere close to you or sewing bees? This could give you the time out and let you make new friends. I agree that getting some exercise is a top priority. I struggle with that too, but I am never alone. Sometimes I go walking just to have "yard leave" from retired hubby.

DOTTYMO

The quilt group is evenings which. I don't want go go out at night at all. I do try to go out most days for a couple of hours but I am on my own, I have a psciatiric nurse who is trying to make me join a group but I'm very unsure . I feel I don't want a chat group I want action.

toverly

Too much of any good thing becomes a burden after a while. I love quilting too, but I think it is good to be out and about among people. If you do choose a separate hobby, be sure it includes others.

Blackberry

I so totally agree with this. Joint a church group, join a reading group at the library, work in a thrift store, almost anything that will give you contact and conversation with another human being. I love quilting and some days sew nearly all day long but I enjoy my church friends and my dining out friends.

Shelbie

We all need balance in our lives. If one activity takes over and occupies all of your time, no matter how good the activity is, our life is off kilter or out of focus. We all love quilting or we wouldn't be on this board but it shouldn't be the only reason for your existence. Perhaps you can combine your love of quilting with some community work. Our small stitching group gathers a couple of times a month to make quilts for veterans. It's a way of giving back and connecting with others who share and appreciate our love of fabric and stitching.

Jeanne S

I agree with others that it is a good idea to have a little more balance and a little more social contact with others. There are so many great volunteer opportunities that would get you out with others, have a little fun with rewarding benefits, the hardest part is finding the right fit for you. Perhaps contact your local United Way to find out about volunteer opportunities. Do you have a local community college that has classes that might be of interest to you? Photography classes might be a great start since you have an interest there. Best wishes to you!

Barbshobbies

We all need some one to talk to. Don`t forget your relatives, and friends. I find doing a little for some in need helps me. What do you do with all of your finished items? Do you like to be out with friends, ask some to have lunch with you. Take a class in a subject you would like to know more about!