Crafts can be suitable for all ages and often give us insurmountable pleasure from when we are tiny tots to when we are ripe in our old age. Playing is something that is naturally embedded into us from the moment we are born, and somewhere along the way, some of us can lose that drive. It is not because we stop finding it enjoyable, but more than ‘real life’ gets in the way, we get tired, and we almost forget how to play.
If you are ready to change that, then you could well be on the path to reaping some great health benefits from taking up crafting.
Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits you can get from putting down work and picking up the craft box.
It Is Great Stress Relief
Stress can cause all sorts of problems with our health and our quality of life, which is why it is so important to introduce things in our lives that can help us manage or eradicate them completely. If you have not found the magic spell for the latter, then indulging in crafts is definitely a good way to help us manage our stress levels.
The great thing about crafts is that there are so many we can choose from, so you will be sure to find one that you really enjoy.
Crafts Can Help Lift Anxiety and Depression
There have been several studies that suggest that crafts can help those who suffer from anxiety and depression. In fact, that is the sole concept behind art therapy. That being said, you do not have to be in a professional art therapy setting to gain the benefits of engaging with the arts. Choosing a craft you are interested in or really enjoy can be extremely helpful in managing those unpleasant and debilitating conditions and allows the person a mindfulness break that can be difficult to achieve under other circumstances.
In 2010, studies showed that some of the best crafts shown to help those who struggle with anxiety and depression included painting pictures, baking cakes, and sewing; however, 11 years later and there are many, many more mainstream crafts to pick from, such as using yarn to knit modern patterns, resin creating, beading and jewelry making, and felting to name a few! Knitting is a cheap and portable craft that is great for beginners – just grab some knitting yarn and needles, and you’re away!
It Can Help You Build Your Self Esteem
Another strange but incredible benefit of participating in crafts or creating a project of your own is that it can really help you build your self-esteem. Not only will you be creating an idea of your own or something in your own style, but you will also be able to see it through, which then strengthens your abilities for the world around you.
Crafts Can Help with Sleep Problems
We all know what it is like to struggle to get to sleep some nights, but for those with insomnia, it can feel like a never-ending hell. Participating in crafts gives your brain enough time to slowly wind down and focus on something that is mentally non-demanding, which can help your brain get into a position to go to sleep.
