Can crafting improve your mood? Can crafting reduce anxiety?

Now, I have been crafting since I was 7. My mom taught me how to knit. I then knitted all kinds of things for my Barbies.

As I got older I learned to knit larger (and much easier than Barbie clothes) things. I also learned how to crochet. One thing that I made, and oh do I wish I had it now, was my granny square vest. I think it came to my ankles and I loved it.

My mom then taught me how to sew and I sewed all my own clothes. Sometimes with a pattern and sometimes without one. I remember borrowing a neighbors tuxedo jacket. I traced it and made a pattern. Then I made it in black velvet with a HUGE collar and cuffs. The crowning jewels were the large star rhinestone buttons. My favorite garment for years and years.

Was I ever bored? Nope? I always had something to do. My hands were always busy. Friday night and no date…go upstairs and whip up something fun while watching all the late night shows (not that there were very many back in the day.)

I never even realized that crafting was my saving grace. I never knew that crafting reduces anxiety!

I didn't get upset because I had no dates. Or others were partying and I was not. I was happy doing what I was doing. My mind was working, my hands were busy and I did not even have time to think about what was not…I was completely happy in what was. I was content with what I had.

Fast forward 60 years (literally). Currently I am a big time paper crafter. I love all things paper – especially card making. I love this craft because I make things that, instead of taking weeks or months, only take a few hours, so that I can give them away. Or send a card. I love giving things away.

Even now…when I get upstairs in my craft room I am in my happy place.

Studies have shown that doing some type of craft can work your memory and sharpen your problem solving abilities. CNN has a great article called ‘This is Your Brain on Crafting.‘ Worth the read.

Crafting is an expression of joy.

Joy is outward expression of what is inside of you. When you choose joy you choose to rise above your life's circumstances. You do not let your circumstances dictate to you what you think, feel, or say.

Joy is also an inward expression of what is inside of you. When you choose joy you also choose peace. Rather than fighting against ALL of life's difficulties and trying to change things that are out of your control, you choose to accept those things. And in that small act of accepting….you find peace. And when you have peace you will find joy.

If you are worried, fearful or stressed try crafting. Crafting can reduce anxiety!

Have someone teach you or find a class. The easiest things to try 1st are knitting and crocheting. Like all things it does take practice to get good. You aren't good at anything the first time you do it, right? Remember driving for the 1st time, or making your 1st turkey, or….how about changing your 1st diaper? All of those firsts make me laugh. I still remember each one so vividly.

CNN has a great article called ‘This is your brain on crafting‘.

Some great and easy crafts to try:

• Knitting or crocheting
• Needlepoint
• Card making
• Cooking
• Using beads in necklaces, bracelets, bookmarks
• Macrame
• Mod Podge

There are so many I can't list them all. Good Housekeeping has a great article about crafts for adults – I think I will try some of them…they do look like fun!

So, go on, find a craft and give it a try. Practice. Practice. Practice. And, if it's not for you find another one. Your anxiety and stress level will totally decrease. Because who has time to be stressed when they are doing something fun?!

Now, sometimes life can get pretty overwhelming, right?

And sometimes, when you are overwhelmed, stress sets in.

And when stress sets in it is sometimes difficult to be happy or joyful. So, please don’t let stress have the last word! 

Go on and take a look at the ‘Top 5 Stress Reducers’ (Action Plan included). So that you can eliminate what causes you stress and get on the path of living a joyful life.

What is Joyful Living all about?

Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help! 

To begin, go ahead and read:

What is Joyful Living?
5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy
Finding Joy in All Things
What Does God Say About Joy?
Difference Between Happiness and Joy

GO ON AND PIN FOR LATER: CAN CRAFTING REDUCE ANXIETY?