5 Benefits of Art & Crafting for Mental Health and Connection
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Can art and crafting really improve your mental health? Yes! Here I'm going to review 5 benefits of this creative practice that can help you feel your best. It can reconnect you with yourself and others in many powerful ways.
The Optimist Daily recently published an article about the healing power of crafting - though I believe it relates to art making, as well -- in addition to other creative hobbies such as baking, woodworking, or sewing to name a few.
In this era of tech everything, there is an antidote. The growing demand for handmade items is making a comeback.
As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, I am heartened by the fact that people are still seeking out art and crafts that are made by hand. The art festivals and shows I applied for this year all noted a record number of applicants! There are so many reasons why.
According to the article, creating things by hand can offer the following benefits:
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Crafting and art bring us into the present moment.
The process of crafting or making art can feel like a meditative activity, which helps calm the mind and lower stress. There's not much room for distraction when you are doing something with your hands that requires concentration. For example, when I am in the process of carving the block for my linocut prints, I'm so focused on the lines and shapes that other thoughts tend to slip away!
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It teaches us to trust in ourselves and find awe of the power of creation. Creating makes us believe in ourselves and our ability to make things happen. Making something out of nothing is a powerful experience.
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Self-belief lowers stress and raises confidence.
Studies suggest that expressing yourself creatively also improves emotional regulation when things get tough. Creative work gives you a safe space to express your emotions, experiment with ideas, and find resilience when things are challenging.
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Creative work gives us a place to manage mistakes and build resilience.
Learning from mistakes and trying again is an important muscle to build. Part of the creative process is embracing mistakes and learning from them. Sometimes mistakes even lend themselves to new directions and enhanced creativity!
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Art connects us to others.
Art has a unique way of bringing us together, whether it is through shared appreciation or collaboration with other artists and makers. I love the creative community I have found through art making!
After reading this, what creative work do you want to try?
Author: Katie Weaver
Reference: The Optimist Daily Editorial Team: The Optimist Daily: The healing power of crafting: how creativity supports mental health and connection. April 1, 2025 www.theoptimistdaily.com
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