Arts and crafts for the mind
Written by Sebastian Abend
In today's fast-paced world, everyone needs some time away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. That’s why finding activities that nurture our mental and emotional well-being is essential! Arts and crafts hobbies can be a fun and easy way of taking a step back from our daily tasks, entering a world of creativity and giving ourselves an opportunity to de-stress. Plus, getting crafty isn't just relaxing — it’s scientifically proven to boost dopamine, the “motivation molecule,” helping us focus and giving us a rewarding sense of accomplishment with each finished project.
Getting lost in creative projects can be surprisingly meditative, too! When I dive into a creative project, anxious thoughts fade away as I enter a state of deep focus where time seems to stand still. By immersing ourselves in one task, the world fades into the background and we give ourselves valuable personal time away from screens and daily obligations. This allows our minds to wander and creates a meditative effect that can reduce stress and anxiety, much like mindfulness or yoga.
Engaging in these activities also makes us use our brains in different ways, honing skills like problem-solving, spatial awareness, and motor skills. Whether you're following a pattern in sewing or experimenting with colors in a painting, these activities uniquely and fulfillingly exercise our brains.
Arts and crafts don’t necessarily require a lot of skill or resources. Many creative activities can be enjoyed with minimal materials and at any skill level. Here are five cheap and easy activities that you can from the comfort of your home:
Drawing is perhaps one of the most accessible arts. You likely have all the materials you need already! To get started, simply gather any leftover paper (can be scrap paper, lined paper, or any paper you have lying around) and some drawing tools, such as pencils or pens. Find a comfortable workspace, and start with simple exercises like doodling, sketching everyday objects or drawing straight from your imagination to practice and improve your skills. Drawing is also an art that can be done anywhere, from home, to the train, to the park, and anywhere else you may find yourself when inspiration strikes!
Knitting and crocheting are fantastic and relaxing crafts that only require a few basic supplies. Start by picking up some yarn and needles or hooks, which are often available for a low price at local art supply stores or online. You can also find beginner kits which include everything you need to start your first project including tools and step-by-step instructions on how to do basic techniques. Set up a cozy space, and try simple patterns like scarves or dishcloths to get the hang of this fun craft! YouTube is a fantastic place for finding tutorials if you get stuck!
Painting is an incredibly fun and creative outlet that can be explored with minimal investment. There are many types of paint, but watercolors are usually cheaper, easier to clean up and require fewer supplies, which can make them an attractive option for beginners. You can grab some inexpensive paints and brushes, but make sure to use paper that is suitable for the type of paint you are using. Printer paper, for example, is very thin and absorbent, making it an undesirable surface to paint on. Once you have your materials, experiment with simple techniques or abstract designs to express yourself.
Jewelry making is perhaps one of the most directly rewarding crafts. With just a few materials like beads and string, you can meticulously design and assemble pieces such as bracelets and necklaces. With this craft, you get all the wellness benefits of the other activities on this list as well as a memorable gift for friends and family!
Clay Molding may not be as common as other crafts, but it deserves a spot here because it’s just so fun! With some air-dry clay and basic tools (or even just your hands) you can create countless designs and forms from the comfort of your home. Set up a dedicated space and enjoy the tactile experience of shaping clay into unique and personalized pieces, whether they’re decorative or functional.
Making time for creative hobbies is essential for keeping stress at bay and boosting our well-being. Arts and crafts offer a fun and fulfilling way to hit the pause button, let our imaginations run wild, and enjoy that satisfying feeling of completing a project. And while this list covers a few of the many awesome crafts you can try, there’s a whole universe of creative activities out there waiting for you to dive in and explore!
Be Well,
Sebastian
