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Today let's talk about how craft can be good for your health. I mean ... it offers us so much … physically, emotionally, socially and phsychologically. I put out a call to my Facebook page for some stories about how crafting is helpful, and was not disappointed by the response. Some stories are my own, some are other people's but it's heartening to see how many people use craft for both physical and mental health benefits.
Links
https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/why-crafting-is-good-for-mental-health
One of these articles listed some of the health benefits of crafting, and I agree wholeheartedly with this list. I've added a few of my own observations, and some stories
One of the recommended activities for dealing with stress is meditation, but personally I find I can't shut my brain off and just sit motionless to mediate. I can, however, achieve the desired result via crochet or cross stitch. There's something about the gentle reptition, the sound of a ball of yarn unravelling or thread being drawn through cloth that is incredibly soothing. It allows me to completely tune out and stop thinking about all the things piling up on my 'to do' list or the situation that is causing the stress. It may be a different craft for you, but it's worth finding that thing that soothes your mind.
I don't know anybody who doesn't have periods of stress in their lives. Danielle sent me this story ...
Crafting, and in particular stamping and colouring in seems to melt away the bad days I sometimes have in a stressful trade role. By day, (and let's face it, by nights too because it's never ending) I'm an electrician who manages domestic and commercial clients for a contracting firm while also having to complete work on the tools. It's nice to have a wind down activity at the end of the day that still occupies my hands, as I like being busy. My days can be extra challenging in my male dominated field, and are compounded by the symptoms of Endometriosis on top of my demanding days.
This is another one I can related to personally. I am happiest when I am up to my neck in craft. It might be a wander through my local fabric shop, a day out with my Mum or some friends at a big craft show, or just being in the middle of a craft project at home. It makes me so happy to be making something beautiful (bonus points if it's also practical). I distinctly remember spending 10 hours straight in front of Netflix last year, binge watching Brooklyn Nine Nine as I painted a 1m square quilt panel for a magazine project. Mixing colours and getting right into the flow … it was a glorious day.
This one may require tissues ... fair warning! Amy shared her story with me, and it's incredible!
On Feb 2012 my 8 yo daughter - my only child - was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing frequent headaches over a short while originally thought to be migraines as migraines run in my family. She has had surgery, radiotherapy & high level chemotherapy and is thankfully in remission but lost most of her hearing & has some balance problems - weakness on her LHS ie: cannot use stairs nor run nor ride a bike etc. - and had (and still has) physiotherapy so she could learn to walk again. She spent most of 2012 in hospital & I lived there with her & only went home briefly on occasion. When I went home, I used to stamp images to colour whilst I was in hospital and also took in diecut decoupage (paper tole) specifically made for cards & put the pieces together with foam squares. I also took in my knitting after not having knitted for many years and knitted a blanket and a scarf for my daughter. I would knit at all odd hours & it helped calm me & helped me go to sleep.
Sometimes I would take in some paper pads, a few stamps and a drawing pad & pencil and sketch out card designs & try and design multiple cards using the same products. It was so soothing for my battered soul to have pretty things to look at & to touch & to think creatively in amongst all the stress and fear and anxiety. It was like a healing balm. You never don't think about cancer when you have gone through something like this & you always fear that the cancer may return - but I can always turn to my crafting to give my brain a much needed break & it brings me alot of joy. Even though we continue to spend time at hospital seeing Specialists, I can always bring some craft