There is a remedy for complaints like the winter blues, a difficult mother-in-law, or a bad day at work! This remedy is crocheting, knitting, using a punch needle, macramé, weaving, etc.—in other words, crafts. We’ll describe the 8 huge benefits you’ll experience while doing crafts. So, do you want to pick up the thread again or join the crafters? Let these benefits convince you!
Among other things, it’s a great distraction, puts you at peace, helps you make new friends, and lets you create the most beautiful things: crafts. Of course, we already knew that crafting can make you incredibly happy, but we were still surprised by just how many benefits it has. As you can imagine, we immediately got back to crafting. So be warned: in addition to gaining new insights while reading this blog, you’ll also feel an overwhelming urge to… craft!
The 8 Benefits of Crafts
Curious about the 8 benefits you’ll experience while crocheting, knitting, or practicing any other craft? Read about them below!
1. Crafting really helps you relax
Stress melts away like snow in the sun when you’re crafting. Crafting is a positive distraction and helps you relax completely (at least as long as you don’t have a pattern that’s too difficult and ends up stressing you out). Because you’re completely focused on your craft, it’s easier to let go of negative thoughts. And this creates space in your mind for new ideas and feelings that you normally wouldn’t allow yourself to experience. So you become… zen! Crafting is almost the same as meditating. Isn’t that wonderful?
2. Crafts keep you off the streets
You’re done with work, it’s finally the weekend, you’re on a well-deserved vacation: all these moments are perfect for finally getting down to: CRAFTS! Most people go out with friends, go on vacation, go shopping, eat out, or spend quality time with their loved ones, but you… You’d rather curl up on the couch with a craft project on your lap! Partly because of the pleasant effect crafting has on you, you don’t want to stop crocheting, knitting, doing macramé, punch needle embroidery, etc. And this slightly addictive hobby is also incredibly healthy.
3. Doing crafts is a responsible activity
Not only are you taking good care of yourself by enjoying the relaxing activity of crafting, but you’re also doing your part for the environment! You have a direct say in how your clothes are made because… you’re making them yourself. This means you’re not contributing to poor working conditions—which is often the case, for example, when you buy clothes from certain retail chains. If you choose organic wool and yarns, you’re doing an absolutely fantastic job. You’ll be making your own sustainable clothing and accessories from scratch. Either way, you’re doing great (go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back).
4. With crafts, you can make the most beautiful creations yourself
Do you have an idea in mind of what kind of home decor you’d like to have in your home? Or which sweater will look perfect on you? Then skip that endless search through home goods stores and online clothing shops and just design it yourself. Or find the right pattern, choose your favorite yarn colors, and get crafting. That way, you’ll make sure you create the most beautiful (and unique) item yourself! Plus, if you’re familiar with all kinds of (craft) markets, you can also choose which technique best suits the item you want to make. That way, you decide for yourself whether to knit or crochet a garment, or spruce up an existing piece with a punched brooch. In short, the possibilities are endless, and you’re the one who decides what choices to make. What a great perk, right?! It’s such a shame that so many people don’t (yet) do crafts.
5. Stay young and fit with crafts
Sleep like a baby and prevent (or reduce) depression by enjoying some crafting. While you’re crafting, your heart rate and blood pressure go down, helping you truly unwind. Are you already overjoyed with your life? Then hold on to that feeling by (continuing to) craft. In addition to a big smile, crafting also gives you a “trained brain.” By thinking about the pattern and the stitches, you’re exercising your brain. Research shows that if you stay active with crafts, you may decrease your risk of cognitive decline by 30–50%*. So come on, grab those knitting needles or Crochet Hooks and get crafting! Not only does it keep your brain fit, but your hands do too! Because your joints stay active through crafting, they’re less likely to stiffen, and your cartilage stays flexible. Plus, crocheting and knitting also improve your fine motor skills. It’s a win-win situation!
*Source: "Engaging in Cognitive Activities, Aging, and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Population-Based Study," Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2011)
6. Crafts build self-confidence
You’re as proud as a peacock of your handmade creation. And you’re absolutely right! Every time you do a craft project, not only does your project make progress, but so does your self-confidence! That’s because you get a huge boost whenever you get better at something (in this case, crafting). So keep on…crafting!
7. Crafting makes you and others happy
You’ve once again created the most beautiful item ever all on your own—oh, what an incredible sense of fulfillment this brings! And when you can give this beautiful creation to someone else, you feel truly valued. So, through crafting, you not only make yourself happy but others as well. Has your son or daughter been nagging you for ages about that perfect hat they can’t find anywhere, or does your husband think a Merino Wool sweater is too expensive but really wants one anyway? No problem—it’s a piece of cake for you… or maybe not, because you’re actually going to knit this item yourself.
8. Crafts Bring People Together; One Happy Craft Family
No one understands you as well as other creative people who do crafts. That’s why it’s so wonderful when you meet someone who gets just as excited about yarn as you do! Or about that one amazing pattern! You can’t stop talking—or crafting! You’ll also meet new people who share your hobby at craft fairs or on Instagram, for example. And you won’t be the first person for whom this has blossomed into a wonderful friendship.
Does crafting make you happy, too? And which crafting technique do you enjoy most?
