Fast paced living, the fear of missing out, social media boasting…the stresses of every-day life are having a dramatic effect on our mental wellbeing.
With the digital age booming, it’s hard to pull away from online platforms like social media. Many struggle to find the time to switch off and relax, to focus on taking time for themselves to enjoy a bit of quiet time or indulge in a favourite hobby.
Studies into mindfulness practices have shown how useful taking up a crafting hobby can be for influencing a person’s overall wellbeing. No matter the person’s experience or technique, taking time away from a hectic schedule to have a go at creating, whether die-cutting, sewing or painting, is a positive step towards mental wellbeing.
Here’s how it helps achieve mindfulness:
Focusing on the moment
Taking the time to create lets you focus on that moment in time, taking your mind off any stressful situations. Not only does this help you relax, but you’ll feel great afterwards from spending time doing something you enjoy.
Creativity
When we are being creative, our brains release dopamine, which is a natural anti-depressant. This is the reason for the good feeling you get after spending some time crafting, helping you to de-stress and relax.
A break from technology
Many of us spend a large majority of our time on computers, spending our day sitting behind a screen at work and then engaging on mobiles and tablets in our free time. The ability to pull away from technology, having a break from the bright screens and constant messages gives us some time to relax and give ourselves a break from technology.
Repetition
Making includes a lot of repetition of methods, especially when sewing. The repetition of steps is a great distraction for stress and produces a very calm mind-set.
Learning & Development
Learning a new making technique is a great way to set and achieve personal goals for your hobby, which keeps you focused and aimed towards achieving your goal.
Anti-Aging Factors
Leisure activities have a very positive impact on the brain, crafting can reduce your chances of developing mild cognitive impairment by 30% to 50% according to a 2011 study published in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry.
Not only has the benefits of making resonated with consumers, the craft industry has also seen its affects. With the media pushing mindful making, giving consumers inspirational projects to help wellbeing, new product lines focused on wellbeing and books providing consumers with as much information as they need, the focus on making and wellbeing isn’t going anywhere.
