Making is the process of creating something by hand, whether it be a painting, a cake, a sculpture, a dress or a piece of furniture. It is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is a time-honored pastime that can be fun, therapeutic and uplifting.

Crafting – or any creative activity for that matter – can provide many positive benefits to the mind and body. Not only does it stimulate the brain with dopamine – a chemical that increases your happiness and enhances your wellbeing – but it also helps to reduce stress and improve your general health.

It can be a fantastic way to de-stress from a busy day. When you are engaged in a craft activity, you can forget about your worries for a while and focus on what you are doing. It is a similar experience to meditation, only that you are not concentrating on yourself or your thoughts, but on your craft.

Art and creativity can help to improve emotional and social well-being, and even prevent dementia! Researchers have found that engaging in art regularly can decrease stress, boost self-esteem and increase confidence.

One of the main reasons for this is that it helps to relieve anxiety and depression. Those with depression often feel that they are losing control of their lives, and crafting can be a great way to reconnect with your identity.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it is important to take some time out to do things that you enjoy doing. It is also a good idea to do some exercise as it will help to reduce your stress levels and improve your overall wellbeing.

A recent study by a team at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that doing crafts such as knitting, crocheting and needlework can reduce your stress levels. This is because these activities can lead to what is known as flow, a state of being in which you are immersed in the moment and focused on nothing else but your work.

When you are in flow, the mind is fully focused on your task and it is easy to ignore other aspects of your life. This can be a fantastic way to relax and unwind, and it can also help you develop a sense of mindfulness, an important aspect of health.

This can also be a useful tool for children, who might find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork and get distracted easily. Using arts and crafts can be an excellent way to help children develop this skill and make it a habit.

In addition to this, it can be a great way for children to express themselves and gain confidence. They can create something they are proud of and be able to display it for the whole family to see.

Another great benefit of arts and crafts is that it can help to strengthen the fine motor skills of children. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are struggling to use their hands properly.