Making is the act of creating something, especially a useful or beautiful object. It can be anything from making an ornament to putting together a furniture piece or constructing a bird feeder from plastic bottles. The key is to make something that brings joy to you and others.

Making can also be a great way to build your confidence as well as a sense of community. Whether it’s through craft projects, community cooking classes or simply sharing your creations with friends and family, making is an excellent form of self-care.

The art of crafting can help relieve stress and anxiety, according to a study published in the Journal of Arts & Health. A group of 57 students who completed a range of painting, collage making and clay modeling activities before their final exams showed a significant decrease in anxiety.

It also promotes flow, which is a state of calm that involves the release of endorphins and slows the heart rate. When you’re in a “flow,” your mind is free from distractions and allows you to think more clearly.

Keeping your creativity flowing is important for mental health, says psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Levisay. Studies have shown that the activities of baking, knitting and gardening improve mood by lowering stress levels and releasing neurotransmitters that enhance joy.

These activities involve a lot of multi-sensory engagement, repetition and anticipation of pleasure. This can lead to a state of “flow” where you are experiencing the full range of emotions, which can be helpful for those who may be struggling with their own emotional challenges.

A lot of people think that handicrafts are just chores, but in fact they are all about bringing joy to your life. Whether it’s baking a banana pie or sewing a dress, creating can give you the sense of gratification that you wouldn’t get if you rushed through your daily tasks without enjoying the process.

This is why so many people turn to art, music and other hobbies to help them cope with everyday stressors, like work and school pressures. The process of creating is so pleasurable that it helps to reduce the body’s “fight or flight” response, which causes us to feel stressed and anxious.

Another benefit of making is that it can be an enjoyable and therapeutic activity for those who are dealing with major medical issues or have suffered a recent loss. This is a common situation for people in the world, and art can be a way to express emotions and release those feelings that are difficult to explain through normal means of communication.

A study found that the process of making artwork after a tragic loss can be very therapeutic for those who are dealing with grief. It can be a great way to release those feelings that are difficult to express through normal means of communication, and it can also help them to maintain their identity as they navigate their grief.