The act of making can be so much more than just a hobby or a fun way to spend time. From DIY crafting to building community and friendships, making has numerous psychological benefits.

The process of creating something with your own hands can help you to feel more confident and capable. In addition, when you’re absorbed in your project, it can help to distract your attention away from your worries and anxieties. This sense of mindfulness and meditative activity can lead to reduced stress levels and improved mood.

Crafting can be an excellent therapeutic outlet for people of all ages. From knitting and crochet to sewing, woodworking, or painting, there are endless ways to express your creativity. In fact, research has shown that making art can reduce symptoms of depression and increase self-esteem.

Creative activities stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are known to improve mood and promote relaxation. These feelings of pleasure and satisfaction can also boost your self-esteem, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

In addition, making helps to develop the ability to solve problems and think outside of the box. The creative process requires you to work through different stages, from ideation and planning to execution. In the end, you have a finished product that demonstrates your unique skills and talents.

The act of completing a project can be especially rewarding for people who suffer from anxiety or chronic pain conditions. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or even just cutting a piece of fabric, the action of making allows you to immerse yourself in a task that requires your full attention and focus. This form of meditation can reduce pain perception and stress, thus resulting in a decreased need for pain medication.

As kids/teens grow up and continue to create, they learn that it’s okay not to get things right on the first try. It takes persistence and patience to build up a skill, so it’s important for them to know that they can work through their frustration without losing hope or giving up. It’s a lesson that can be applied to many other aspects of life.