Making is an activity that brings joy to the people who engage in it. It can also be a way to heal the mind. In fact, there is a lot of evidence that shows crafting, hobbies, and art-making have life-long benefits for the mind, body, and soul.

Many people who spend time with their hands – whether they are cooking, growing vegetables, knitting, building or working with raw materials of any sort – describe their activities as therapeutic. This is because making can elevate one’s self-esteem, even if the end result is far from perfect.

The sense of accomplishment that is felt when you make something you can be proud of, helps to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also increase happiness and confidence, which are both essential to mental health. In addition, the act of creating stimulates the brain and helps us learn because it increases dopamine levels. Dopamine communicates with the brain and enables it to create new neurons, which promotes focus and concentration, as well as readies the brain for learning.

Another important benefit of making is that it can be a social activity. Whether you have friends who enjoy the same activity or you join a craft group, spending time with others while making can help to lower stress levels and alleviate loneliness. It can even protect you from Alzheimer’s because it helps to improve connectivity between the hemispheres of the brain.

Crafting can help you forget your worries. Studies have shown that the act of creating focuses the mind and helps you to reach what is called “the steady flow.” This is the state in which your worries disappear as your attention is fully engaged on the creative process. The sense of accomplishment that comes with the steady flow also helps to decrease anxiety and depression, which in turn makes it easier for you to sleep.

The process of creating can also be therapeutic for children. When children participate in artistic activities, they are able to express themselves more openly. It allows them to explore different emotions and understand that everyone experiences the same things. For example, when a child draws a face that looks angry or sad, it can be a way to show parents how they are feeling without them having to say it out loud. It can also be a great way to teach children about healthy boundaries by showing them how to control their tempers.

Developing an interest in art and crafting can lead to other lifelong hobbies and skills. It can help to develop a sense of purpose, which is linked to lower mortality rates in adults and improved quality of life across the lifespan. It can also lead to a more positive attitude towards the future, which may be especially beneficial for older adults who are struggling with depression and loneliness.