One simple thing I want is to be happy. I think a lot of people can relate to that. 

But what can we do to live happier lives? 

Factors like our mindset, our habits, and even our hobbies contribute to our overall well-being. That means we can pursue activities that positively impact our mental states.

Photo by Surene Palvie: https://www.pexels.com/photo/four-green-yarns-on-chopping-board-2062061/

Did you know crafting is one way to support a happy lifestyle?

A study from Harmony Healthcare IT found that 42% of people in Gen Z have diagnosed mental health conditions.

Many of us can relate to feeling anxiety, stress, and depression. Developing coping skills is important for managing uncomfortable emotions. 

Crafting for your mental health

One self-care activity that helps with managing your mental health is crafting. Unfortunately, some people view crafting as “frivolous” and as an activity that is only for retirees and children. But there are a lot of positive benefits to doing crafts.

Crafting Benefits

Crafting provides stress relief

Crafting can help you turn off the thinking part of your brain for a while, giving you relief from stressful thoughts. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m always interested in learning new ways to quiet my mind for a while.

Crafting lowers cortisol levels

Repetitive/rhythmic motions, like moving a paintbrush or knitting, help soothe your brain and reduce your cortisol levels. Learning this information explained why I find the repetitive motion of crocheting so relaxing.

Photo by Nynne Schrøder on Unsplash

Crafting helps your brain release dopamine

You know that feel-good chemical that is usually associated with scrolling on TikTok? Turns out you can also get that from crafting. Engaging in activities that bring us joy is a healthy way to get your dopamine fix.

Crafting promotes mindfulness

Focusing on a craft requires a state of mindfulness. This level of focus promotes calmness and centeredness, similar to meditation. If meditation isn’t appealing to you, you can try doing crafts to clear your head and ground yourself instead.

Crafting improves your focus

Additionally, focusing on a craft helps you improve your focus overall (something that many of us need at this point). I know I struggle with focus at times, so I was excited to learn that a fun activity, like crafting, can also benefit my cognitive abilities.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Crafting improves your self-esteem

It feels good to have a hobby and to make things yourself, which can improve your self-esteem.

Crafting helps you get in touch with your inner child

Doing crafts is a great way to experience child-like joy and fun.

Photo by Askar Abayev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-father-and-daughter-wrapping-gifts-together-6190659/

Crafting provides a sense of community.

Connection is an important aspect of well-being. Doing crafts with friends/family or even finding a local craft group makes crafting a potential form of bonding that provides you with a sense of connection and community. If you are looking for a fun activity to do with your friends, try hosting a craft night!

Photo by Lum3n: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-and-blue-watercolor-painting-587958/

Crafting improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

In addition to all the mental health benefits, crafting also has some physical health benefits. Tasks like threading a sewing needle, working with a knitting needle, and holding a paintbrush help you improve your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Crafting can help you sleep better

I have spoken about how important getting enough sleep is for meeting our goals in previous blog posts. Well, you can use crafts as a way to relax at night and combat insomnia. 

Image by Monika from Pixabay

Craft Inspiration

While you can do art therapy with a professional, you can also do art at home with inexpensive supplies, like from the Dollar Store or thrift store, and free YouTube tutorials. These resources mean crafting can be a relatively inexpensive form of self-care. You don’t need to invest in fancy tools and equipment. Simple crafts, such as doodling, can provide the same mental health benefits.

There are so many different types of crafts you can do, depending on your interests. Some craft ideas are:

• Watercolor painting
• Crocheting
• Knitting
• Quilting
• Cross stitching
• Diamond art

You can look to sources like YouTube, Pinterest, and Ravelry.com for inspiration!

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/coffee-drink-beside-a-knitted-material-on-wooden-table-5788198/

Don’t worry if you don’t think you are crafty!

A lot of people think they aren’t creative enough to do crafts. And that is not necessarily true!

There are lots of options for crafts that allow you to get in touch with your creative side, even if you lack artistic skills. Let go of any expectations you have about crafting. You don’t have to produce anything specific. Just view it as a fun, relaxing, beneficial self-care activity.

Craft ideas for people who “aren’t creative”

Even if you think you “aren’t creative” there are still plenty of more structured activities that allow you to get in touch with your creative side, such as:

• Coloring books
• Paint by numbers
• Abstract painting

I hope this post inspired you to add crafting to your mental health toolbox.

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media for more positive lifestyle motivation!

Featured photo: Photo by Anete Lusina: https://www.pexels.com/photo/knitted-piece-and-yarn-with-hook-4792079/