Crafting is not only a hobby, for many, it is a way of life. Crafting is more than just creating handmade cards, gifts or creations, it's about letting your imagination run free and relaxing your mind.
Through the love of all things craft, many of us have made lifelong friendships within the crafting community. This fellowship not only makes us feel valued and loved but has provided a space where each one of us has someone to talk to.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and crafting provides a number of positive impacts and benefits to help you.
Helps with Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, with one in five people in England being diagnosed. Crafting is a great way to help you cope with your depression and reduce your anxiety as it keeps your mind busy and enables you to focus on the task at hand.
Crafting increases dopamine levels in your brain, it can make you feel happier, which can have a positive impact on your every day life.
Since the start of the first lockdown, the crafting industry has boomed with many turning to crafting to help with their mental health during the pandemic.
Reduces Your Stress
85% of adults in the UK suffer from stress, so never feel like you are suffering on your own. There are many factors that can lead to stress, which have heightened throughout the last year; these include scenarios such as work, finances, health or family.
Crafting is a great way for reducing your stress levels and easing your mind. It helps to deflect your mind from anxieties to creative projects, builds your confidence as your face and complete a new challenge, and it can also increase and expand your socail skills by interacting with other crafters.
Boosts Your Productivity
Crafting is a way to express yourself, letting your personality speak through your creations. The more positive you feel, and happier you become. Taking up a hobby such as crafting can also help boost your positivity. Trying something new and creative can boost your mood and take away the stress you may feel.
Helps with Dementia
Did you know 850,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, with 52% of the UK public knowng someone who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia. Over the years, studies have found artistic and creative activities are found to help trigger forgotten memories.
Crafting activities are meaningful, enjoyable and stimulating for people with dementia – at all stages of the condition.
If you're looking for help with your mental health, Mind is a mental health charity, set up to provide support and reach out to those suffering with mental health problems.
If you're looking to start crafting, our Hub is filled with crafting inspiration, tutorials and videos of our recent launches. For more incredible ideas, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.
Don't forget, you can share your makes with us using the hashtag #hunkydorycreations. You can also submit your creations where we share our favourites in a monthly blog, on our Live Shows on Hunkydory Craft TV and in our Crafting with Hunkydory Magazine where you could win a £10 voucher if your project is featured!