Are you a lover of arts and crafts? We’ve got good news for you! When you engage in arts and crafts, you’re soaking up their therapeutic benefits – including reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation! Read on to learn more!
Many of us are introduced to simple arts and crafts from a young age. Remember your very first colouring book? In an era of self care and mental health awareness, adult colouring books have become something of a bookstore mainstay, and we’re here for it! Whatever arts and crafts you find yourself gravitating towards, we want you to know that they are GOOD for you. Doodling, journaling, weaving, embroidery, tailoring, and more – you want to keep that energy in your life!
If you find yourself prone to stress or anxiety, arts and crafts may just be the antidote you need. Partaking in creative endeavours has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, allowing individuals to express themselves authentically. Such is the case with painting and journaling, which requires the use of one’s creative muscles; alternatively, with crafts like knitting, crocheting, or patchwork, one can easily space out and relax whilst they go about their business.
In The Mood For Arts And Crafts? They’re Great For Helping With Anxiety!
Both creating art and crafting are forms of practicing mindfulness – especially when you find yourself fully engaged and entranced in the meditative state of being! Working on an art piece requires you to be focused on the present moment, neither dwelling on the past nor worrying about the future. This state of mind is helpful if you’re battling anxiety, and can set your mind at ease. Research has also shown that the act of creating art can positively impact your mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety alike!
The Relaxation Benefits of Arts and Crafts
When you engage in creative activities, you’ll naturally immerse yourself into a state of flow – being ‘in the zone’. You’ll find the more deeply absorbed you are in the activity at hand, the faster time seems to fly by. In this state of being with your attention thusly focused, you’re less likely to be stressed or anxious. This, naturally, leads to a state of relaxation, tranquility, and ease!
Starting Out? Try These Arts And Crafts For Beginners!
If you’re newly initiated into the arts and crafts community, welcome! Don’t worry if you don’t quite know where to start; there are plenty of easy art forms that can provide the calm and meditative elements you’re after. Colouring books and doodling pads are both great ways to incorporate arts and crafts into your personal self-care routine! Both of these require zero prior experience or artistic talent, and can be done whether you’re at home or on-the-go.
Expand on the activity with journaling. You can use your journal as a way to express yourself, incorporating notes on your feelings, daily goals, and your achievements. You can also include inspirational quotes, as well as reminders of things you’re grateful for! Go the extra mile with stickers, washi tape, cuttings, and other beautiful adornments! This therapeutic way to process your thoughts and emotions can be really comforting, and you’ll end up with something beautiful to look through at the end.
Calling All Art Experts!
If you’ve been around the arts and crafts block a few times, we’re sure you’re itching for more complex artforms to explore! Painting and sculpting are both examples of arts and crafts that are equal measures challenging and rewarding. With the former, you’ll be able to experiment with different techniques and styles spanning abstract, baroque, realism, and beyond. The latter, however, will allow you to literally get your hands dirty with materials like clay, stone, or metal. And, if you find yourself loving your craft, you could even turn it into your full time job!
More Crafty Things To Try Out
Hungry for more arts and crafts? Weaving, sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, and macrame are all amazing artforms that you can try! These activities all involve repetitive motions, which means you’ll be able to sink into the work and relax into a meditative state. You’ll also end up with some tangible results that can be worn or used at home – scarves, embroidered decorations, and more!
Building A Self Care Routine Around Arts And Crafts
It goes without saying, but if you’re using arts and crafts to help center, focus, and ground yourself, you’ll need the perfect routine. Here’s our favourite routine!
- Set the mood with candles or other room fragrances to promote relaxation and focus!
- Brew yourself a cup of tea and set out some of your favourite snacks.
- Create a nice little nook and fill it with your favourite things.
- Make sure all your arts and crafts tools are in place.
- Play some music you enjoy.
Arts and crafts can be a valuable element of your self-care toolkit! Engaging in activities you enjoy can be therapeutic, and can also lead to a sense of accomplishment and pride. If you’re looking for a way to cut the noise of the world and find some peace, give crafting a go! You may just discover the brand new love of your life.
What’s your favourite way to unwind, and what’s your art or craft of choice? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on our social channels to keep up with Team Poptron’s adventures, bringing microbrands straight to you!
