At a time when the term “workdays” is being replaced by the phrase “stay-at-home days,” the balance between business and pleasure can sometimes be hard to find. Because we’re stuck at home all day, many of us feel the urge to stay productive and keep ourselves busy around the clock. This translates to sending emails at 10:00 p.m. or texting colleagues while watching a show on one of the many streaming services.
Finding a balance between work and personal life takes time. But that’s totally okay, because Rome wasn’t built in a day either. And in the end, this metropolis really has turned out to be a sight to behold, so have faith—you, too, can teach yourself to take time to relax every now and then. And that’s exactly what we want to help you do with this blog!
Crafts + even more crafts = relaxation
You guessed it. To help you experience a moment of “zen,” we recommend that you (start) doing crafts. You learn as early as elementary school—the place where you start your first craft project—that crafting has a positive effect on your physical health because it improves your fine motor skills. But the fact that picking up knitting, embroidery, or Crochet Hooks can also provide a moment of meditation is something that several Yarnplaza colleagues and customers have already experienced—and something we’d like to explore further.
It becomes clear that not everyone has discovered the wonderful joys of crafting when comments like “Knit? That’s what my grandma used to do!” and “Are you crocheting a scarf yourself? Isn’t it easier to just buy one?” come up in conversation. It’s up to you to prove them wrong and make it clear to them that crafting is an outlet that not only brings you a lot of joy but also lets your creativity run wild.
Professors also cite crafts as a great way to reset yourself. The rhythmic, repetitive motions involved in knitting, crocheting, tatting, or using a punch needle help you experience a sense of calm. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it and have a few fun craft projects under your belt, needles and thread can even lower your heart rate and blood pressure. This is because knitting and crocheting become more automatic once you’ve mastered the basic stitches.
Young professionals have now also discovered the wonderful benefits of crafting. Not only can a few skeins of yarn and some needles help them clear their minds and escape from their busy jobs for a while, but crafting also taps into the DIY trend. DIY stands for Do It Yourself. Young people say they aren’t big fans of mass production and welcome anything original and authentic with open arms. Crocheting or knitting a beautiful throw blanket or a cozy scarf yourself—with a color combination that only you can create—fits seamlessly into this DIY movement.
How to
There are many ways to experience the relaxing effects of crafts. Think, for example, of the beautiful and enjoyable moments you can share when you get together with a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor to work on a project. A cup of coffee, tea, or maybe even a glass of wine, and you’re in for a really fun afternoon—and (if everyone’s having a good time) evening.
But if you’re having a “not right now” moment, go it alone and explore the wonderful world of crafts. Order a ready-to-go kit or join a KAL/CAL (Knit-A-Long/Crochet-A-Long), and we’ll guide you along with our pink Yarnplaza hand. How wonderful is it to switch off that sense of control and responsibility for a bit and just follow all the steps we’ve laid out for you, on your way to a crafting success story?
Can you make this hit project all by yourself? Absolutely! We have several tutorials on our website that will help you easily master the basic skills of your chosen craft technique. So no stress!
The Craftsmanship Mindset
You can’t enjoy relaxing crafts without adopting a relaxed posture. Here are a few Tips from our Yarnplaza designers:
- Sit comfortably, with your buttocks and back touching the back of the chair.
- Place both feet on the ground
- Be careful not to hold your craft project low on your lap for long periods of time. When you hold the project low, you end up bending your head and shoulders as well. This slightly hunched posture will cause you a lot of discomfort over time, so make sure you don’t let your craft project drop too low.
- Use high-quality, ergonomic materials. For example, choose a Crochet Hook that fits your hands perfectly.
- When you're crocheting, knitting, using a punch needle, or doing macramé for hours on end, don't forget to take a break and stretch your legs. Relax your shoulders and wrists by rotating them in circles, and stretch your fingers by playing "piano" in the air.
Have you thought about…
You can do crafts anywhere and everywhere. This means you can work on your craft project in the garden, indoors on the couch, or relaxing on a lounge chair at the beach. No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or charger needed. Just you, a few skeins of yarn, a set of needles, and a pattern—that’s more than enough.
Once you’ve reached the finish line of your project, you can give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Good job! And now that you’ve achieved the final result, you can show off your beautiful creation to the world. Get ready for lots of nice compliments and envious glances your way, because suddenly you’re the “creative one” in your group of friends. And when the praise dies down, settle in on the couch in your warm, hand-knitted sweater or under your own crocheted Blanket—and you’re ready for a moment of relaxation! Time to chill…
