When people hear the word “making,” they often think of famous artists who have created masterpieces or inventors who have developed revolutionary products. But making is a more broad concept than just creating art or technology—it also includes any type of creation that involves putting pen to paper, carving wood, knitting yarn, cooking a meal, sewing clothes and so much more. And the act of engaging in creative activities can bring a host of benefits to our mental health.

In addition to being a relaxing activity that reduces stress, arts and crafts can help strengthen and sharpen the brain by encouraging cognitive flexibility. A recent study found that those who engage in creative pursuits like painting, drawing or writing have improved working memory and better general cognition. The results of this study suggest that these skills are transferable to other areas of life and have a direct impact on how we function in our everyday lives.

Crafting can provide a social outlet, helping us to build relationships with others and meet new people. Whether you are looking to learn how to knit, sew or make your own paper flowers, crafting is a great way to bond with family members or friends. It can also be a great way to escape the everyday noise and to focus on one task at a time, giving you a sense of accomplishment when you finish. The act of engaging in creative activities can trigger the release of neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and fulfillment, resulting in a positive overall mood.

Engaging in artistic activities can be meditative and calming, allowing you to quiet your mind. When you immerse yourself in a creative project, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, which are both associated with a feeling of well-being. These effects can last for hours after the completion of a project, and are a wonderful way to reduce stress levels.

Besides the emotional and psychological benefits of crafting, it is also a fantastic way to hone existing skills or learn new ones. Drawing, for example, requires learning about perspective, shading and anatomy. This helps develop the brain’s natural memory by combining visual, kinesthetic and semantic information, which makes it easier to retain and recall.

Making is becoming increasingly accessible, with advances in technology and design software helping to shorten the journey from ideation to final product. This is complemented by the increased availability of materials and tools, which have helped to lower the barriers to entry for all sorts of makers.

If you are new to making, the best place to start is by taking part in a creative challenge. There are many existing challenges out there, such as Miniature May, Inktober or World Watercolour Month, that you can sign up for. These challenges are great for keeping you motivated and allow you to see the progress that other participants have made, which can be a very inspiring experience. Alternatively, you could create your own challenge by choosing a specific medium and goal to work towards each day.