Crafting…The Natural Antidepressant
Crafting…The Natural Antidepressant
Research supports the idea that crafting – whether it be sewing, knitting, crocheting, coloring, or painting – is beneficial to us in a number of ways. Crafting is considered by many as a natural antidepressant and there are many good reasons for this belief.
Crafting improves mind and brain wellness as it encourages:Â
- Stress relief
- Problem-solving
- Hand-eye coordination
- Spatial awareness
- Fine motor skills
- Focused attention
- Creativity
- Pride and achievement
- Patience and perseverance
How Does Crafting Improve Mental Health:Â
The reward center in your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine when you do something pleasurable (like crafting). Dopamine is sometimes referred to as the “motivation molecule” because we are driven by its release. You can increase the amount of dopamine your brain releases by taking part in pleasurable activities such as crafting, playing sports, exercising, doing puzzles, etc.
So What Does That Mean for Me?
As I’ve discovered recently, crafting improves my mental health by helping me relax and focus on the task at hand. It encourages my creativity, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Crafting is not for everyone, but find an activity that brings you pleasure and take part in it when you are feeling bored, stressed, anxious,or depressed. Just like me, you may find that it improves your feelings better than any therapist or medication!
Love knitting. Got started with it while recovering from a serious or rather chronic health issue. It has gotten me thru some hard times. Right now though have not knit because of tendonitis in the hands. Also it gets a bit warm when knitting in summer.
I’m sorry to hear about your tendonitis. I hope you can get back to knitting or another form of “therapy”.
Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for sharing this. Now if I can only find the time!
I have always loved to make crafts, just never knew that it was good for my mental health!
Anything you enjoy is good for your health, but crafting has therapeutic rewards!
I really wish I had the mental capacity for crafting. I’m just too darn impatient for it.
There are many other therapy type activities, like exercising!
Agreed! I’ve definitely been taking advantage of that one. 🙂
I know you have. You look wonderful!
Crafting is not my thing but I am truly impressed with people who are good at it, just like your Rachel. Love all the crafts you post!
Thanks, Ron!
Thanks too for being such an inspiration!
This is such a great point. I always feel better after “making” something. This is reason 5, 999 I need to finish my unfinished scrapbook. LOL
I love crafting. I just decided to do canvas paintings for Keira’s friends on her birthday. So fun!
I never knew this!
Thanks for visiting.
Um, YES to this! This must be why I collect craft hobbies! lol I have the supplies for and regularly scrapbook, paint, crochet, embroider, sew, and just generally DIY all kinds of things around the house. Almost nothing can make me quite as happy! 🙂
I knew there was a reason I love to craft. I also love to receive something handmade which always means more to me.
I hadn’t thought of this! I recently bought one of those coloring books for myself, as I heard it can be soothing. But my husband is actually having a rough time lately, i wonder if manly type projects would help him. You’ve given me something to think about, thank you!
Any hobby can be helpful. Wishing you luck! Thanks for visiting.
I have anxiety so I can definitely say that crafting has been a form of therapy for me.
For me too! Thanks for visiting.
I totally agree with this. I need to do some kind of crafty thing a few times a week to keep my stress level down and I notice a difference when I don’t get to do it.