The Benefits of Making
The term ‘making’ refers to the act of putting something into a particular form. Whether it’s knitting a scarf, creating a piece of pottery, or building an extension on your home, there are plenty of different types of making to choose from. There’s also a great deal of psychology behind crafting, both in terms of the sense of accomplishment, and the community and connection that comes from creating something with your hands.
Several studies have shown that crafts such as knitting and crochet can help relieve depression, anxiety, and stress. The repetitive nature of these crafts helps you to reach a state of flow, where your worries are put on hold as you focus on the task at hand. The act of making also stimulates the production of serotonin, which is a natural antidepressant. The sense of pride and achievement that comes from crafting can also be a great confidence booster, especially for those who work in creative fields like design and art.
Crafting has also been shown to help with insomnia, which can be a huge problem for many people. Having trouble falling asleep can be extremely disruptive to both your mental and physical health, and can make it difficult to concentrate during the day. The calming effects of crafting can help to promote relaxation and can also encourage the brain to release melatonin, which is responsible for helping you to fall asleep.
There are many benefits to getting involved in a craft, but it’s important to find a hobby that suits your interests. Choosing an activity that you enjoy will ensure that it’s something that you’ll be interested in for the long-term. It will also ensure that you have an enjoyable hobby to turn to when life gets stressful. The sense of satisfaction and pride that you get from completing a project can be a great motivation to continue with your hobby, and can provide a positive distraction from the stresses of daily life.
Having a productive hobby that keeps your mind off the more unpleasant aspects of life can help to improve your mood and self-esteem. It can also be a great way to relax, and to spend time with friends. The best thing about crafting is that it’s something that almost anyone can do! So grab a needle and some yarn and give it a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it!