New Research: Arts and Crafts Improve Mental Health

Recent research has shown that engaging in arts and crafts can have a number of benefits for mental health. Not only do these activities help reduce stress, they also stimulate creativity and increase feelings of well-being. As a result, arts and crafts are becoming an effective way to improve mental health and quality of life.

1. Why does doing arts/crafts help improve mental health?

Creative activities are as beneficial to life satisfaction as having a job, researchers find Carrying out creative activities such as arts and crafts are as beneficial to mental wellbeing as having a job, according to a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health. Scientists from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) used data from a major national survey to investigate the impact of taking part in creative activities like sewing or painting on how much people reported enjoying their lives. They found that creativity had as great an influence on participants’ wellbeing and happiness as sociodemographic factors like age and health. Helping people to access affordable opportunities for creativity could be a major boost to public mental health. The scientists analysed a sample of 7,182 participants from the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, which evaluates public engagement with cultural, digital and sporting activities. Participants were asked to rate their sensations of happiness, anxiety, and life satisfaction, and to give their impression of whether life is worthwhile. When asked about their engagement with crafts, 37.4% of respondents confirmed that they had taken part in at least one craft activity over the last twelve months. The people who took part in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worthwhile. The boost to respondents’ sense that life is worthwhile was as significant as being in employment. The scientists controlled for sociodemographic variables that we already know affect the experience of wellbeing: gender, age group, health, employment status, and level of deprivation. For instance, poorer health, unemployment, and higher levels of deprivation have all been linked to lower wellbeing. Dr Helen Keyes, Head of the School of Psychology and Sports Science at ARU, said: “Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worthwhile. “Indeed, the impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment. Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with employment. “Engaging in these activities is linked with a greater sense that life is worthwhile, increased life satisfaction and happiness. The wellbeing effects were present even after we accounted for things like employment status and level of deprivation. It seems that crafting can contribute positively to your wellbeing above and beyond these other aspects of your life.”

2. How to Use Art and Craft Therapy to Improve Mental Health

One of the most popular and effective craft activities is knitting. Knitting improves mental health in various ways. The repetitive motion of knitting has a calming effect, helping to relax and reduce stress. Additionally, completing a knitting project brings a sense of accomplishment and pride, contributing to increased self-esteem and confidence.

Drawing and Coloring
Drawing and coloring are also excellent artistic activities for improving mental health. They allow us to express emotions and thoughts visually, sometimes helping us better understand ourselves. Mandala drawing or coloring adult coloring books has become very popular in recent years due to their relaxing and focusing effects.

Crafting
Crafting increases focus not only during the process but also in everyday life. When we regularly engage in activities that require a high level of concentration, such as crafting, our ability to focus improves over time. This can be beneficial in work, studies, and other areas of life.

Pottery
Pottery is another form of art with strong therapeutic effects. Molding clay not only helps to relieve physical stress but also creates a deep connection between the mind and body. The process of transforming a lump of clay into a work of art can be a metaphor for shaping and improving our lives.

Gardening
Although not a traditional form of art, gardening can also be considered a craft activity with many benefits for mental health. The connection with nature, caring for plants, and seeing the results of hard work can bring deep peace and satisfaction.

A key aspect of using art and craft as therapy is focusing on the process rather than the final result. What matters is not creating a perfect piece, but enjoying the creative process and expressing oneself. This can help reduce pressure and increase joy in the process.

Professional art therapy is also an effective option for those facing more serious mental health issues. Art therapists are trained to use creative techniques to help patients explore and resolve emotional problems.

Participating in art and craft classes or groups also brings social benefits. Interacting with others who share similar interests can help reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance social connections, which are crucial for overall mental health.

To start using art and crafts as a method to improve mental health, you can try the following steps:

• Choose an activity that interests you: It could be drawing, knitting, pottery, or any other form of craft.
• Start with small and simple projects: This will help prevent feeling overwhelmed and maintain motivation.
• Create a creative space at home: A small corner dedicated to art activities can encourage more frequent participation.
• Set specific times for creative activities: Make it part of your daily or weekly routine.
• Share your work with others: This can enhance your sense of connection and accomplishment.
• Experiment with different forms of art and craft: Each activity can offer different mental health benefits.

In conclusion, using art and craft therapies can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. From knitting to improve mental wellbeing to crafting to enhance focus, there are many ways to leverage the power of creativity to enhance the quality of life. By incorporating these activities into daily life, we can create a valuable source of support for our mental health.

3. Important Points

When using art and craft therapies to improve mental health, there are several key points to keep in mind to achieve optimal results. Here are the main considerations:

• Choose the right activity: Everyone has different preferences and abilities, so selecting a suitable activity is crucial. While knitting may improve mental health for some, others might find painting or pottery more effective. Experiment with different activities to discover what works best for you.
• Focus on the process: Crafting is beneficial for mental health not because of the end product, but because of the process itself. Don’t put too much pressure on creating a perfect result. Instead, enjoy the creative journey and allow yourself to become immersed in the activity.
• Make it a habit: To gain maximum benefits, try to make art and craft activities a part of your daily or weekly routine. This consistency will help you maintain regular practice and fully utilize the benefits of crafting to enhance focus.
• Create the right environment: Set up a dedicated space for engaging in art and craft activities. Make sure this space is quiet, comfortable, and well-lit. A suitable environment will help you focus and fully enjoy the activity.
• Don’t put pressure on yourself: Remember that the main goal is to improve mental health, not to become a professional artist. Don’t put too much pressure on your skills or the outcome. Allow yourself the freedom to express and explore.
• Combine with relaxation techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation with art and craft activities can enhance their effectiveness. For example, you can focus on your breathing while knitting to boost the relaxing effects.
• Share and connect: While crafting can be a personal activity, sharing your process and results with others can foster a sense of connection and support. Consider joining groups or classes to meet people with similar interests.
• Be mindful of time: Although crafting enhances focus, it’s important not to overexert yourself. Set reasonable time limits for each session and ensure you take adequate breaks.
• Keep track of your emotions: Record your emotions before and after participating in art and craft activities. This will help you monitor your progress and better understand the impact these activities have on your mental health.
• Combine with other treatments: If you are undergoing treatment for mental health issues, discuss with your healthcare professional about incorporating art and craft therapies into your overall treatment plan.
• Diversify activities: Don’t hesitate to try different forms of art and craft. Each activity offers unique benefits for mental health. For instance, while knitting enhances mental wellbeing through rhythmic repetition, painting might help you express emotions more visually.
• Respect your limits: Although crafting is good for mental health, it’s essential to recognize and respect your limits. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, allow yourself to rest or switch to another activity.

By keeping these points in mind, you can maximize the benefits of using art and craft as a method to improve mental health. Remember, everyone’s experience is different, so be patient and allow yourself to explore in order to find what works best for you.

In conclusion, new research has shown that engaging in arts and crafts is not only a way to express creativity but also brings significant benefits to mental health. Participating in these activities helps reduce stress, increases feelings of happiness and life satisfaction, much like the effects of having a stable job. Therefore, encouraging people to access creative activities will play an important role in improving public health.