The act of making can be anything from a new recipe or painting to furniture and jewelry. Whether you have an inner DIYer or not, crafting can be rewarding. Creating something from scratch is satisfying, and the feeling of accomplishment is a big motivator. Taking on a DIY project can also be beneficial to your mental and physical health, especially when it comes to depression and anxiety. It helps to stimulate the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can improve your focus and learning process as well as boosting your confidence in tackling future projects.

A Jack of All Trades, Master of None

Crafting is popular right now with the backlash against mass production and a desire for one-of-a-kind items, handmade goods, and skillfully honed craftsmanship. Many traditional craft mediums have a burgeoning market, including leather tooling and wood carving. Many of these crafts require years of training and specialized tools, but the internet has made it easier than ever to learn a new skill from a video tutorial. It is important to remember that while the Internet is a great resource, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to make everything and wasting time and money on supplies you don’t really need.

It can be helpful to find a mentor when starting a new hobby or project. Having someone to turn to for advice can help you avoid making mistakes and give you confidence that you are on the right track. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people and socialize while learning a new skill.

When you immerse yourself in your project, you’re able to forget about the stressors of daily life and enter the “steady-flow” zone, similar to meditation. This is when your brain produces the feel good chemical dopamine and you are completely absorbed in your work. It can even alleviate a person’s depression and anxiety. Studies show that when individuals engage in a creative activity they experience feelings of happiness and self-worth.

The best thing about craft therapy is that it’s universal. It can be used by anyone to heal the mind. Those who suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia or any other symptoms have reported improvement in their conditions by engaging in art and crafting. It is an effective form of therapy and a powerful tool to combat the effects of trauma, illness, and loneliness. Creativity is the key to our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. The act of making is the way forward. A life made by hand is a life worth living. The art of making has been around since the beginning of mankind. We just need to remind ourselves of its benefits and take the time to create every day.