meditation with your eyes open

Craft therapy, is a relaxing therapeutic approach to creating the much needed head space that we all may not know we need. Life can be hectic, chaotic and stressful and crafting allows anyone, young or old, expert or beginner to harnesses the power of artistic activities to improve mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Through crafting, individuals can process and communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences that might be difficult to express verbally.

Engaging in craft therapy offers a range of benefits, including stress reduction, enhanced self-esteem, and improved emotional resilience. It promotes mindfulness, and allows participants to reach the ‘flow state’ very easily, this is a state of being ‘in the zone’ allowing participants to stay in the present moment, while also fostering a sense of accomplishment as they create tangible, personal works of art.

Crafting offers a multitude of benefits for both mental and physical health:

Mental Health:

1. Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities can lower stress levels and promote relaxation.

2. Improved Mood: Crafting releases endorphins, which can elevate mood and combat symptoms of depression and anxiety.

3. Enhanced Self-Esteem: Completing a craft project can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. (It feels great to complete something!)

4. Emotional Expression: Crafting allows individuals to express and process complex emotions in a non-verbal way. (Sometimes where are just no words.)

5. Mindfulness: Crafting encourages staying in the present moment and helps to enter the flow state, promoting mindfulness and reducing rumination.

6. Distraction and Coping: Crafting can serve as a healthy distraction from negative thoughts or challenging situations.

7. Social Connection: Participating in group craft activities fosters social interaction and reduces feelings of isolation.

Physical Health:

1. Fine Motor Skills: Crafting often involves intricate hand movements, which can help maintain and improve fine motor skills.

2. Cognitive Stimulation: Crafting challenges the brain and promotes cognitive function, especially in problem-solving and spatial awareness.

3. Pain Management: The creative process can serve as a form of pain management and distraction for those dealing with chronic pain.

4. Sensory Stimulation: Crafting can engage multiple senses, providing sensory stimulation and therapeutic benefits.

5. Improved Coordination: Many crafts require hand-eye coordination, leading to improved physical coordination.

6. Relaxation and Sleep: Engaging in creative activities can lead to a sense of relaxation, potentially improving sleep quality.

7. Endurance and Strength: Some crafts, such as woodworking or pottery, can provide a mild form of exercise, enhancing physical strength and endurance.

The holistic nature of crafting makes it a valuable tool for maintaining and enhancing overall well-being. Whether for mental or physical health, the act of creating can bring joy, meaning, and a profound sense of fulfillment into one's life.

Craft therapy is not scientifically proven (yet!) but there is countless evidence to show that it can be an evidence-based therapeutic approach. While it may not be applicable to all mental health issues or physical conditions, it is widely known to be effective in improving the well-being of individuals facing various challenges. Many mental health charities hold crafting events such as craftathons and crafternoons cementing the idea that crafting is great for you!

Crafting could be a wonderful compliment to any professional therapy a person may be receiving.

People often feel good after crafting for several reasons:

1. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a craft project provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

2. Creative Expression: Crafting allows individuals to express themselves creatively, which can be emotionally fulfilling and serve as an outlet for self-expression.

3. Mindfulness: Engaging in a creative process encourages mindfulness, promoting a focus on the present moment and reducing stress and anxiety.

4. Stress Reduction: The act of crafting can be soothing and relaxing, reducing stress and calming the nervous system.

5. Dopamine Release: Crafting triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which can elevate mood and create a sense of happiness.

6. Distraction: Craft projects can serve as a healthy distraction from negative thoughts or challenging life situations, offering a break from stressors.

7. Social Connection: Crafting with others, such as in group workshops, fosters social interaction and a sense of belonging, which can improve mood.

8. Brain Stimulation: The creative process stimulates the brain, promoting cognitive function and problem-solving skills, which can be mentally rewarding.

9. Self-Care: Taking the time to engage in crafting is a form of self-care, which is important for overall well-being.

10. Personalized and Meaningful: Craft projects often have personal significance, as individuals can create items with special meaning, such as gifts or keepsakes.

In essence, crafting is a multi-faceted activity that offers emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits. It taps into the innate human need for self-expression, creativity, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results, contributing to an overall sense of well-being and contentment.