Why You Should Get a Crafty Hobby
A crafty hobby can be beneficial to you in so many amazing ways. Even if you don’t have a creative bone in your body, utilizing the part of the brain that creates things is great mind exercise. You may even find that you’re good at something new! A crafty hobby can give you peace, help you find your voice, or increase your self esteem.
Taking some time to learn something new can be a great way to take some “me time†and decompress from the pressures of your everyday life, but when you add in the elements of an arts and crafts hobby, the benefits just seem to multiply. Here’s why I think you need an artsy or crafty hobby in your life!
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Crafting as a Hobby –The Mind-Body Connection
Did you know that art and crafts usually contains some element of rhythm? I always used to wonder why crafting helped me to relax and calm down and learning this little fact just made so much sense! The rhythmic nature of sewing, painting, knitting, crocheting or woodworking helps to sooth your stress away with rhythmic motions–and you get something cool to display out of it. That’s a win-win in my book!
What Craft Hobbies are Calming?
This can and will differ depending on you and what you enjoy. For me, I find crafts calming when they are low risk (meaning it’s ok if I make a mistake, it can easily be fixed). I sometimes like crafts that are done in one sitting. Other times I enjoy working on a long term piece like an afghan or a big cross stitch. Here are some suggestions of crafty hobbies that you can learn now that will give you a sense of calm.
Do you want to learn how to do a new craft or art activity? Would you prefer to do so in the comfort of your pajamas in your own home? Perfect! Check out Skillshare. You can try out the platform totally free for 7 days, and get access to courses in photography, creative writing, embroidery, illustration, cookie decorating, and so many other things!
You Deserve Some You Time
Making time for your craft every week or everyday if you can is such an awesome way to practice self-love and self-care. You deserve some time to do something that you enjoy–in fact, you actually need to take some time to take care of yourself. Think of your art project as an active meditation–something that most doctors will recommend doing for 20 minutes each day. Being able to take the focus off of the happenings of daily life is so important for our overall well-being.
Take Back Some Space
Have your kids or spouse taken over every square inch of your home? Take back a small corner just for yourself, or heck, take back a whole room! Even if you live on your own, dedicate a small space for your new hobby that can become your new happy place.
I have art and craft supplies all over the place! I use boxes like these to keep things put away and to keep my kids out of my projects.
Put Yourself Out There
Every new hobby comes with an opportunity to socialize with a purpose. You can find a ton of crafty classes in your local community or craft store. If meeting new people sometimes makes you uneasy, at least you know that during your knitting class, you’ll be able to keep your conversation on yarn and needles if you so choose. If you go out on a limb and share a little more, you’ll be able to breathe easy knowing that you have something in common already!
Not quite ready for that much socialization? Why not try learning an art or craft skill online? Skillshare offers a free trial! Watch and learn in the comfort of your own home, and venture out into the community once you already know what you’re doing.Â
Learn to Love the Process
It is easy to stop yourself from pursuing an arts and crafts centered hobby if you feel that you will not be good at it, but try to take that factor out of the equation. It’s the process that really matters here–the time you spend doing, not whatever thing you end up with at the end. If you love what you make, fantastic! But if not, that’s okay too. Try not to let a search for perfection hold you back from trying something you might truly enjoy.
PIN!!
Find something that you love to do and do it just for you! You will find that your mind, body and soul can reap the benefits from some time in your newfound creative space.
Leave a comment telling me about your favorite crafty hobby. I’m currently into watercolor painting and cross stitch!
