How Arts and Crafts Can Boost Mental Health

Please note: this is a contributed post.

Many people make arts and crafts, such as fused glass or beaded jewelry, because we have a creative urge that needs to be satisfied. However, there are a growing number of people who are coming to arts and crafts in a bid to improve their mental health.

There are many research studies, not to mention many people, who can attest to the power of creativity and it’s ability to help anyone suffering from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

Here are just some of the ways that creative pursuits can boost mental health and soothe the spirit.

Stress Reduction

Participating in arts and crafts can help to calm you mind. Whether you’re simply coloring one of the free coloring sheets from Colorarty.com, knitting a scarf with the help of a Craftsy tutorial, or simply doodling away as you daydream, the very act of taking time out to use your creativity, and the effort that it takes to concentrate on what you’re doing can be enough to melt your stress away. It’s certainly not a cure-all, but regular arts and craft sessions can really help the stressed mind to recover and heal.

Dealing with Depression

Arts and crafts can help to alleviate periods of depression in two ways. First of all, the effort and concentration required to make sure that you don’t miss a stitch or that you accurately capture the likeness of that landscape, help to get you out of your head and focusing on something positive. Secondly, arts and crafts can help you feel like you have accomplished something and when you’re depressed and constantly down on yourself, that can be very important indeed. The key, of course, is to have fun with it and enjoy the process and not judge yourself and your efforts too harshly.

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Boosting Brain Health

When you learn a new creative skill, whether you are learning how to crochet for the first time or working out how to get the best results with watercolors when you’ve only painted in acrylics before, it encourages brain plasticity. Your brain forms new connections and as a result, it becomes stronger. This can help with everything from depression to dementia because the healthier your brain is, and he more new connections you make, the stronger it will be in the long-term.

Boosting Low Self-Esteem

Of course, learning new skills and producing amazing items is sure to boost low self-esteem. As you work hard, improve your skills and see the fruits of your labor pay off, it’s hard to not to feel proud and realize that you can do anything you put your mind to. This inevitably makes you feel far better about yourself, and this can benefit your mental health overall.

If you ever needed a reason to pick up a paintbrush, or learn macrame for the first time, this is it!