Technology is so integrated within our lives today that it’s hard to remember what life was like without it, so it’s encouraging to see that the popularity in traditional creative crafts has been linked to having a positive effect on your mental health and overall well being.
From sewing, painting and pottery to jewellery making, glass blowing and wood turning and knitting; over the last 10 years, there’s been an exponential increase in people getting more creative globally.
So why are we turning towards crafts that at one point were considered outdated or not even considered at all?
Some believe that it’s in a bid to balance the rise in technology and our desire to reclaim crafts that were, at one point, at risk at dying out.
Others point to the rise coinciding with the growth in all things vintage and the popularity of other times past, pursuits.
Whatever the reasons, many experts in both medical and sociological fields highlight that increased creativity has many life changing benefits such as;
- Crafting that involves the hands, can improve fine motor skills and reduce the incidence of arthritis and joint pain.
- Concentration and learning new skills is believed to reduce the risk of memory loss and could have a positive effect on conditions such as Alzheimers.
- Completing a task and accomplishing something along with making something for others has been shown to assist those suffering from depression and reduce anxiety.
It’s no great surprise, therefore that many hospitals and care centres for patients with a range of aliments, have creative options available and often encourage guests to undertake creative projects as part of their rehabilitation.
Feel free to comment on this article and share your own views and experiences.
Thank you.
Leave a Reply