Making is the act of bringing something into existence through a creative process. It’s the act of shaping and changing materials into something new, combining parts to create a whole: To make a cake, you have to mix flour, eggs, butter, and milk.

Making can take many forms, from painting and drawing to sewing and embroidery, from designing and constructing to sculpting and etching. It can be done by individuals, groups of people, or even entire communities and nations.

It’s also an extremely empowering activity. It’s not just for the wealthy or for those with lots of education or training; it can be a great equalizer, giving anyone who wants to try their hand at creativity a chance to succeed. Seeing the final product of a project gives a sense of accomplishment and can help build self-esteem, whether it’s an artwork or a refurbished chair.

Creating can even be healing, especially for those struggling with loss and depression. Immersing yourself in a project such as crochet or knitting helps to refocus your mind away from harmful and negative distractions and allows you to concentrate on the present moment, letting go of anxiety and stress. The gentle up/down motion of the needle or yarn, the rhythm of stitching one stitch at a time, lulls you into a peaceful and focused state that’s similar to meditation.

The act of making has been shown to increase happiness and decrease depression while enhancing cognition, mental wellness, and visual perception. In addition, it can build a sense of community and support as you work together with friends or family to complete a project. This type of making can also help children with learning disabilities, particularly those who struggle with reading and writing.

Getting started with making can be as simple or as complex as you’d like. There are endless possibilities for what you can create, from a simple DIY pillow or jewelry box to a wooden desk organizer or a custom photo wall collage. There are also plenty of things to make out of recycled or trash materials, nature crafts, and more. Ultimately, there’s no wrong way to get into making; you can simply choose an idea that sparks your interest and gets to work. Just be sure to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. This will keep the process fresh and exciting, even when you’ve made the 1 millionth DIY camera strap cover or burp cloth ever.