Stitching is an amazingly relaxing activity and one I have personally used for most of my life. While my interest ebbs and flows with the changes in my life, I always seem to find my way back to it. Just a flick through a cross stitching magazine or reaquainting myself with my giant 'stash' can spark a Oh! That's what I want to work on!
Do you stitch in silence or while watching a TV show or listening to a podcast? For me I need something to keep my mind in the present. While the meditative punching and pulling of floss through aida is very relaxing, the length of time I can spend once I get started can result in me mulling over negative thoughts. I love listening to a favorite youtuber. The busyness of my hands allows me to really focus in to what they are saying, when I'm not trying to find my place again on the pattern! But I love the space stitching makes for my ideas and thoughts to percolate.