As a child, like many others, I used to spend hours colouring and drawing, feeling quite content as I did so. Thinking back to those times brings a sense of nostalgia, a feeling that can be particularly helpful when we’re feeling low and struggling to see the positives in life.
For years, I drifted away from these activities, but recently I rediscovered my love for all things craft-related. This rekindled passion led me to reflect on just how beneficial arts and crafts can be for our well-being.
There is a distinct pleasure in stepping into a hobby store, surrounded by an array of colours, textures, and endless possibilities. This can be incredibly stimulating, sparking our imagination and guiding our minds to exciting places. The choice of materials can feel overwhelming, especially if you are someone who gets easily overstimulated. Yet, being in a position to explore different options, to discover what you like or dislike, and to focus on pleasing yourself with these purchases can be deeply fulfilling.
As we get older and our responsibilities shift, we often prioritise essential purchases or buy things for others before considering ourselves. Investing in a hobby, however, can support self-esteem by assigning personal value to things we enjoy. While it may feel like a luxury, especially given today’s financial climate, even selecting crafting materials with no financial outlay can have a similar effect. I find particular satisfaction in finding a “bargain” or receiving free materials. This gives me a starting point—a set of cards, for instance, that I can later decorate with decoupage, stickers, and other embellishments.
Such opportunities allow us to experiment safely and explore our creativity. In crafting, we can take risks without fear of judgment or failure, knowing that some of the most unique creations come from embracing mistakes or trying something new.
Engaging in crafts can strengthen our confidence, intuition, and sense of resourcefulness—qualities that may not always receive recognition in our daily lives.
The act of crafting itself can also be wonderfully therapeutic.
Not only does it help to pass the time, but it also supports a state of “flow,” providing a useful distraction and encouraging us to focus on the present. Crafting requires concentration, grounding us in the here and now. Afterward, there is often a sense of pride in what we have created, along with pride in having invested time in ourselves. Crafting can also open doors to connection.
Whether we share our creations or join a crafting group, it provides a shared focus that can ease the pressure of social interactions, offering a common interest and an easy conversation starter.
Alongside its emotional benefits, crafting also offers physical advantages, such as maintaining dexterity, fine motor skills, and coordination. It is mentally stimulating, supporting our concentration and motivation. For these reasons, I encourage everyone to find a craft they can enjoy without self-judgment; the act of creating is enough.
Many principles of mindfulness are embedded in crafting, making it a highly effective practice for mindful living.
Main – Photo by Volodymyr Proskurovskyi on Unsplash
