The physical effort is a wonderful thing to clear the mind. Add in creativity and it's an ideal mix. I find it does what you say, makes for good sleep at night for both body and mind.
I know you've been really struggling, as I read your posts and watch your videos, that comes across very clearly. I feel for you and your family. These are the most difficult times of upheaval in the world that I've never experienced before in my entire life. Many much older people have said the same to me. It can make a person feel crazy if one allows it. Keeping focused in the present and living in the moment helps negate.
So you keep it open in terms of the finished piece and work in a flow like that. Very nice. With carving, one has to move with the medium one is working with and be open to constant shifts in direction. I've never experienced the process of addictive sculpture that way. I'm wondering if you have done much additive process in sculpture, aside from what you do with carving, that is? If so, wondering if you had a similar experience with it?