Crafting is designed for all ages, races, genders, and ethnicities. While it is very common to revert to our childhood when thinking of crafting, it can be quite therapeutic for all age groups. Using the 8 dimensions of wellness, here are the ways you can benefit from crafting.
Physical - Some of the things I have noticed include better hand-eye and spatial coordination thanks to the detailed work involved with many crafting projects, such as crocheting or knitting. Also, by using my hands for something other than typing, I can tell my dexterity is staying the same, if not improving.
Intellectual - Crafting provides opportunities to learn new skills. Even if you have some knowledge about the art or craft you’re going to do, you can always develop your talent and advance your knowledge. It’s a reminder that life is a constant learning process and that, even as adults, we can continue to cultivate our skills—and perhaps discover some new ones.
Image provided by Thresa Vaugn
Emotional - When you’re immersed in a craft you enjoy, you focus on it and stop thinking (even for a little while), which can help reduce stress. If you feel overwhelmed, tired of having so many work meetings on Zoom, or are simply out of new ideas, do something artistic that allows you to express yourself in a different way and to quiet your mental noise.
Social – You can join an online course where you can meet other people (locally or internationally) or share tips and suggestions on a weekly basis with a friend who has the same hobby. Engaging in crafts that other people enjoy, too, gives you a reason to socialize more often.
Spiritual - Crafting can spark that feeling that what we do matters, and who we are matters. And when we witness what we have been able to make – something that never before existed – we are more.
Vocational - Hobbies demonstrate to an employer that you are a passionate, enthusiastic, and engaging individual. If you’re looking for a job in a creative field like marketing or graphic design, include painting or photography on your resume to show you have a creative mind.
Financial - Crafting doesn’t have to cost money. In fact, you could save money and earn money with your crafts. You can make things for yourself instead of buying them in a store, like reusable paper towels. You can also sell a few things on Etsy or reserve a booth at a craft fair to earn some extra cash while sharing your talents with others.
Environmental - Keep your environment safe and clean by crafting with repurposed or recycled materials. For example, instead of adding juice, milk, or egg cartons to the landfill, turn it into a crafting project. Do this with your kids or family to encourage them to learn about environmental sustainability and how to recycle products.