I feel your pain! I started a huge cross-stitch doing 1-over-1 on 22ct Aida (because apparently I hate myself) over a year ago. It was supposed to be an anniversary present for my best friend who got married last May. But it kills my hands and my eyes and makes me not want to work on it. π© Why do we do this to ourselves!?! Sounds like we both know better... and yet, here we are! π€£
Hope the stretches help! Good luck!