I tell everyone that “being creative is good for you.” It’s not a fancy “sales pitch” or an excuse to shirk the chores in favour of quality time in the craft studio. There is heaps of research on the benefits of arts and craft. Craft therapy is a REAL recognized therapy supported by science. It is regularly used as part of a multi-faceted rehabilitation approach for serious injuries, strokes and cancer.
You don’t have to be ill to benefit from “craft therapy”
Here are a eight ways that creating or “craft” is good for you.
- It’s a natural Anti-depressant – Studies have show that the act of being creative releases dopamine – a natural “high”. So when you hear someone say that they’re “addicted to craft”, they may be scientifically correct.
- Relaxation – You can’t create when you are mad! Being creative helps you unwind from stress and worry by focusing your mind on the task of creating. Because creating is a process you will need to concentrate on the here and now!
- Repetition – Relaxation has been shown to be induced by repetition. This is good for your mind as it allows your mind to switch off and reboot. This especially true for Knitting, crochet and hand stitching once you’ve mastered the art.
- Meet new people – Being creative can help you meet new people and join positive social circles in person and online. Crafters are a friendly bunch. Craft classes are a great way to get to know like minded people that you can chat to. Enjoyable social interactions are proven to impact positively on psychological well-being. If you’re feeling a little lonely look for a local craft workshop and join in! (Check out The Creative Eclectic’s workshops and events)
- Little Wins – When you feel tired, unwell or overwhelmed completing a simple project like a hand-stamped thank you card, can feel like a great achievement. It’s amazing how a small achievement can help you stay positive.
- Stay connected – A handmade gift or card for someone with a personal note inside will always be more meaningful than an email or text can ever be. It is tangible thing that they can touch, hold, display and keep. Their delight to recieve something created just for them will make you feel great too.
- Provides an opportunity to help others – Helping others makes us feel good about ourselves. Craft provides an excellent way to help others – Across the country, literally 1000s of Artisans hand-make items to help others – There are sewing groups who sew angel gowns, crochet and knitting groups that make items for sick children, domestic violence victims and the homeless, wood workers who supply toys for hospitals and foster carers, painters doing murals for community groups and of course, card makers who donate thousands of handmade cards to charity groups, community groups such as Lions clubs and military servicemen and women posted overseas (Cards for Aussie Troops). Stampin’ Up! fund raises for Ronald McDonald House Charities by selling a RMHC stamp set each year. Every year schools, charities and churches put out a call for donations for hand crafted items for their fetes and fairs. There’s lots of ways to help.
- Self-expression – when you create something there is is so much that goes into it – it’s not just about the finished product – there is so much more to it – Each craft project has a life cycle from the conceptual idea to the design process, choosing which craft supplies and techniques you will use, then creating or making to the sense of achievement that comes from making something heartfelt and perhaps learning a new technique and experimenting along the way. Often the finished product is very different from what you thought you’d make – that’s okay as you have added your own “stamp” on it. Every one of your creations contains a little part of you.
So there you have it! Eight fantastic AND “scientific” reasons to get creative and do a little “craft therapy”. I love it when we can use science to justify our creative passion.
Indulge in some “craft therapy” today and Feel Good!
What are you waiting for? Get started on that project, book that class or order those supplies. Remember to tell us what you’re creating – we would love to see your projects! Not sure where to start then come along to one of our learning events to get started. Find out more here.
