May 2, 2023

Nurse and resiliency. Fun top crafts to improve your mood

Updated: Dec 20, 2023

Nurse and resiliency. Top crafts that can help improve your mood

Before technology became prevalent in our lives, we would frequently be making or fixing something. Activities such as knitting, sewing, cooking, and mending clothes and household items were the norm.

As technology has advanced, many of these skills have been lost, and reports of anxiety and depression have increased.

Is there a link between these circumstances, and how can crafting help?

Many studies have shown that those who regularly participate in crafts feel happier, have more energy, and feel reduced anxiety.

Creating items with our hands uses a different part of the brain compared to when we are at work. The repetitive actions of many crafts help hormones such as serotonin to increase within the body. Serotonin helps regulate areas within the body such as mood, sleep, digestion, wound healing, bone health, and blood clotting.

How to find the craft for you

1. Try lots of crafts- Just because you haven't fallen in love with one craft doesn't mean you should give up. It may take some time to find your perfect craft.

2. Get started- The best way to find out if you enjoy a craft is to get started and give it a go. Maybe commit to trying an art so many times or for two weeks before deciding it's not for you.

3. Use both hands- crafts that involve both hands have been proven to increase concentration and keep you in the here and now, meaning you're less able to think about other things.

4. Join a crafting group- When you've found your favourite craft, consider joining a craft group; socializing with like-minded people can help boost your mood and well-being.

5. Keep learning- Developing new skills helps keep your brain active and healthy.

Top crafts to help improve your mental health

Paint by numbers

If you don't feel like you are good at crafts or creating art, starting a 'paint by number's canvas could really help build up your confidence in your creative side and, at the same time, help you relax and calm your body.

Adult colouring books

Another great choice of activity if you don't feel confident when crafting is buying an adult colouring book. Destress after a long day by completing a gorgeous Mandela or intricate image of your favourite book character. There are so many choices on the market today.

Diamond paint by numbers

These 'paint by number' kits have grown in popularity since the recent pandemic. Simply fill each square with different coloured plastic diamonds to reveal your finished image. Adding hundreds of diamonds to your painting can get lost for hours.

Scrapbooking

Keep any negative thoughts at bay by creating a scrapbook full of happy memories. Create different themed pages for each occasion and add trinkets and mementos for family trips to make your scrapbook really special.

Knitting or crochet

Knitting and crochet are popular choices for people looking to destress; they offer a repetitive movement to help you switch off and relax, all whilst creating functional items to wear or decorate your home. It's important to note that these crafts do take some practice to master.

Scratch-art paintings

Scratch paintings were popular in the 90s as a children's craft but are making a comeback as an adult crafting choice. They provide a repetitive motion whilst drawing and have beautiful results depending on the colours and design revealed.

Water beads

While water beads aren't technically considered a craft they are mesmerizing and can provide a relaxing effect. Feeling them run through your fingers and watching the light bounce off them is an excellent distraction after a hard day. Using water beads and a balloon, you could also make a homemade stress ball.

Slime

Slime has been popular with children over recent years, but have you ever played with slime yourself? There are many different types of slime and homemade recipes to try.

Slime can be a great way to keep your hands busy and relax after a busy day. Feel slime fall through your hands, squash it, stretch it and watch it change color and shape as it moves.