Arts and crafts have made a huge return to popularity in recent years, largely thanks to our increasingly fast-paced, digital world and the subsequent mindfulness movement. Whether it’s knitting, scrapbooking, sculpting, macrame or decorating planters, there’s something undeniably satisfying and pleasing about the act of creating something tangible and unique.
Here are three reasons you should take up some form of arts and crafts this weekend.
1. It’s fun! The most obvious reason why you should begin your foray into arts and crafts is simple: enjoyment. Just as learning to play an instrument, taking dance lessons and trying new recipes is fun, so too is creating something one-of-a-kind with your own two hands.
2. It promotes self-esteem: starting a new hobby that requires precision and thought is no easy task. Patience, skill and the ability to unleash your inner creative self are all required. It can take weeks to feel like you’re finally getting somewhere with that crocheting or that painting. But when you do start to see real results, your confidence and self-worth is immediately boosted. Look what you made!
3. It relieves stress: Arts and crafts encourage mindfulness and reduce stress and anxiety. Art therapy uses the power of creation to help people express their emotions and work through issues. The meditative act of creating, be it ceramics, sewing or otherwise, encourages positivity and feelings of relaxation. Being forced to concentrate on one particular task enables you to become immersed in a situation and truly unwind.
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