Do-it-yourself projects are popular with people of all ages. From planting an herb garden to building a birdhouse, the act of making is rewarding and can boost happiness and lower stress levels. But did you know that DIY crafting is also good for your health? DIY crafting—whether it’s painting, drawing, or sewing—is therapeutic and beneficial for all ages. It helps relieve stress, promotes a sense of accomplishment and enhances cognitive abilities. It can even improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Whether it’s doodling in the margins of a notebook or knitting a sweater, crafting is more than just a hobby. The activity teaches patience and focus, which is helpful in coping with stressful situations. It encourages a creative mindset and teaches children that it’s okay to make mistakes. As a bonus, creating with their hands is educational: They learn to follow instructions and read, which can lead to better grades. Plus, they can learn how to find a solution when something doesn’t turn out exactly right.

Crafting is a form of art that allows people to express themselves in their own unique way. Oftentimes, the end result looks nothing like what the maker initially had in mind. This is important in allowing people to build self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as to develop a sense of autonomy. As adults, we don’t get a lot of opportunities to experience this type of freedom; many jobs and hobbies have strict rules that limit creativity.

When you engage in a craft, your brain becomes engaged in a “flow state.” Kaimal describes this as a relaxed reflective mental state that increases theta waves and moderates alpha wave activities in frontal areas of the brain. It’s a similar state to meditation and can help you detach from everyday stressors and feel a sense of calm.

The process of DIY crafting can also be a physical activity, depending on the craft you choose. Creating a piece of jewelry involves working with delicate materials and can require a lot of hand movements. Sculpting or pottery can involve kneading and shaping clay with your hands. Even more, the physical effort needed to complete some crafts—like woodworking or carpentry—can increase strength and endurance, promoting healthy physical activity.

Whether it’s doodling or designing an entire room, DIY crafting is a great way to relax and recharge your batteries. So take a break from your computer or smartphone and pick up some paint, yarn, or wood to create your next masterpiece! And if you’re not sure where to start, check out our list of ideas by material: