7 Ways Crafting Improves Mental Health

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How does crafting improve mental health?

Art therapy has been present in the United States for more than 100 years, and has existed throughout the world for much longer, so it should come as no surprise there are positive mental health benefits associated with art making, or crafting. In the last couple decades, researchers have more closely examined the relationship between crafting and mental health to determine just how it impacts our well-being. 

1. Serves as a natural antidepressant

Being engaged in arts and crafts releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter in our brains that helps us feel happy, motivated, and energetic. It's often called the "happy hormone," or sometimes the "motivation molecule." Maybe that's the reason I'm motivated to craft when I'm not motivated to do housework! 

You've probably heard of other activities that release dopamine -- like exercising, listening to music, and spending time in the sun -- but you might not have realized crafting can have the same positive effect. Exercise and time outdoors can be hard to come by during certain months, so it's good to have indoor crafts and hobbies you can also count on to boost your mood.

2. Reduces cortisol levels

Crafting has also been shown to decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the regulation of stress. Heightened cortisol levels over a prolonged period of time can lead to anxiety and other mental problems. Stress has surprising negative mental and physical effects on the body, so anything that can help mitigate that is worth the effort -- especially if it's fun! Maybe this is also why I choose to craft and ignore my adult problems when I'm overly stressed!   

3. Alleviates feelings of loneliness

Whether you're joining a crochet club, a Facebook group, or an Instagram community, crafting helps foster connection. It can bring unlikely friends from different backgrounds and walks of life together in the same circle. Even if you're not officially part of an organization or an online group, just having your hobby as a conversation starter can make it easier to talk to and connect with others. 

I have so much fun finding people interested in the same hobbies who I can chat about the specifics of our craft with. But I also love when friends find out about one of my interests (or I find out about something cool they do!) and want to know more about it. It always feels nice to learn something new about others and to have genuine interest shown in something unique and important to you.

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4. Fosters feelings of love and gratitude

I know not everyone's love language is gift giving or receiving, but I tend to think that's how many crafters like to express their love. Taking the time to meticulously make something by hand and think about the person you're specifically making it for throughout the process is a thoughtful expression of love. And sometimes sacrifice when it turns out so good you really just want to keep it for yourself! 

Beyond being "made with love," it feels good to be the receiver of such a thoughtful, personal gift -- whether that's your love language or not. Whenever I receive a handmade gift from a family member or friend, I treasure it in a different way because I know they made it just for me and I feel so grateful they would pour their time and love into such a special gift. Whenever I see or use these items, I'm reminded of how much I'm loved and it instantly invokes feelings of gratitude and happiness. 

5. Encourages self-expression

Crafting and art making are a great way to express yourself and become more self-aware. As you create and develop your own sense of style, your emerging individuality will provide insight into your personality, what resonates with you, and what you feel and experience inside. The more you progress in your craft and create things you love, the more your confidence and self-pride grow as well. 

The important thing to remember, however, is to not compare yourself too much to others. If you're only crafting to compete and can't appreciate your own talent, creativity, and personal touch, it will leave you feel empty instead of fulfilled. As with all things, comparison is the thief of joy! It doesn't hurt to be inspired by other creators, but you'll feel happiest when you can appreciate the little things that make your art or craft your own.

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6. Leads to "flow"

As you increase your confidence and skill in your craft, you might find yourself enjoying a state of energizing focus, where you become fully immersed in the process and think of little else as time flies by. We often refer to it as "being in the zone," but some psychologists have termed this positive mental state as "flow." Whatever you want to call it, this type of mental state has been associated with increased creativity, emotional regulation, happiness, memory, productivity, and motivation.

The often repetitive movements and multi-sensory engagement of arts and crafts have a similar effect to meditation, and can help focus the creator in a way that leads to a flow-like state. In addition to being able to feel the positive effects of this energizing state, this type of focus also helps to distract from negative thoughts and emotions brought on by anxiety and stress.

7. Increases self-efficacy

Crafting can provide a sense of control, being able to choose how to personalize your project and express yourself through it, bringing to life the vision in your head. It can also help develop problem solving skills and emotional resilience when things aren't coming together the way you want them to. 

As you invest time and effort into your creation, you're bound to find yourself looking forward to the finished product. Maybe it turns out better than you imagined, or maybe you learn to love it the way it is and take notes for next time. Either way, you are intimately involved in the development and progress of something brought into existence by your creative vision and efforts.

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The Key to Making Crafting Work for You

The key in all of this is finding a process you enjoy. If it's not a craft or hobby you find enough satisfaction in to carry you through the frustrating moments and certain roadblocks, you're going to wind up frustrated more often than you will happy and fulfilled. There will always be rough moments -- if there was nothing challenging about it, you wouldn't experience the same growth and achievement you do when you complete something. But it's important to find a balance between your ability level and an appropriate amount of difficulty. When you do find a craft or hobby you love, it can provide so many amazing benefits for your mental health! 

Check out these related articles: 

32 Self-Care Ideas to Try When You're Feeling Stressed, Depressed, or Anxious

The Benefits of Trying A New Craft: Our Experience Glass Blowing

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