Crafting has a multitude of benefits. But if you haven’t partaken yet, why start now? Is it really for you? Read on to find out why it’s worth taking the plunge and picking up a new crafting hobby.
Stress reduction
Stress is a leading cause of mental health issues. This isn’t something to be sniffed at, whether you’re at work or not. The physical symptoms of stress can be as difficult as the mental ones, with headaches, fatigue and nausea listed as concerns.
Crafting has been shown to reduce stress levels significantly, benefiting both general stress levels and more significant diagnosed mental health disorders.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression present with a range of physical and mental symptoms. Crafts have been shown to improve those symptoms, keeping the brain occupied and giving a dopamine hit from a finished project.
You can buy full kits of the supplies needed for a project, with projects including a knitting kit. This removes the stress and pressure of choosing materials, while still giving that buzz of a fresh project. A knitting kit is particularly helpful to a new knitter, where the choices can feel overwhelming.
Self Esteem
Seeing a project from start to finish really boosts self-esteem. Low self-esteem doesn’t discriminate, impacting people of any age and background. Having something visual to make and seeing it through to the finish with your own hands, gives a boost that is positive for raising self-esteem in participants.
Processing grief
Evidence suggests that crafting is helpful in supporting you through the grieving process. This seems to stem from the practice of self-care and mindfulness which go hand in hand with creative hobbies. Arts and crafts are often used by therapists, particularly for children, as they’re known to be so successful in helping people to communicate and process grief.
Community and craft
With a multitude of groups all over the country that are available to join, crafting can be a way to meet new people and build friendships. Reducing isolation only helps to improve mental health, adding further to the benefits listed above.