In recent months, many of us have increased our screen time, myself included! Faced with the impossibility—or at least difficulty—of going out, many of us have taken refuge in social networks, streaming services and online messaging to talk to our friends and family. But this reliance on technology to communicate is not entirely healthy, either physically (eyesight, sedentary lifestyle, etc.) or mentally (more stress and even isolation).
Arts to crafts are not just for children
Sometimes we believe that arts and crafts are only for children, but that’s not the case. They’re also extremely beneficial for adults, and now more than ever it’s important to include them in our weekly routines.
If you’re one of those people who think they’re not creative or don’t have any manual skills, remember that we all are creative, each in our own unique way, because we’re created to reflect our Creator.
The benefits of arts and crafts
Take some time to figure out what inspires you, and enjoy the benefits that a creative activity offers. Here are just a few:
- Stress relief: When you’re immersed in a craft you enjoy, you focus on it and stop thinking (even for a little while) about what’s bothering you. This lowers stress and anxiety levels. It’s a kind of meditation that brings you calm and allows you to be alone with yourself in a peaceful atmosphere. You can even use it as a moment to be in silence and talk to God.
- It encourages creativity: If you feel overwhelmed, tired of having so many work meetings on Zoom, or simply out of new ideas, maybe what you need is to do something artistic that allows you to express yourself in a different way. It can help give you mental clarity.
- It allows you to learn new skills. Even if you already have ideas about the art or craft you’re going to undertake, you can always innovate, develop your talent and acquire new knowledge. It’s a reminder that life is a constant learning process and that, even as adults, we can continue to cultivate our skills—and perhaps discover some new ones.
- Addicted to the phone and/or social networks? While you may have to consult some online source to do your art or crafting activities (especially if you’re a beginner), the amount of screen time will never be the same. Sometimes digital disconnection is necessary for mental hygiene.
- Savings: Depending on the craft you do, you can even save money because you can make some things for yourself instead of buying them in a store, which is much cheaper.
- It’s an opportunity to socialize: Right now, because of the pandemic, you probably can’t socialize in person, but there are always digital options. You can join an online course where you can meet other people (even of other nationalities), or maybe you and a friend have the same hobby and can share tips and suggestions with each other on a weekly basis. If it weren’t for this activity, perhaps you wouldn’t find a reason to talk so often.
- The satisfaction of accomplishment: Enjoying both the process of creation and the final result itself is a source of joy and pride. Unlike a project you do for work, when you make something at home, you yourself can use and enjoy what you created (or give it as a gift to someone special). Plus, it will give you a good dose of confidence in yourself and what you’re capable of accomplishing, which will have a positive impact on your self-esteem and overall mood.
Some ideas for arts and crafts you can do:
- Handmade soaps
- Knitting/sewing
- Painting (from simple crayons to watercolors)
- Candles
- Making jewelry/accessories
- Origami
- Modeling with clay
- Ceramics
- Gardening
- Creative baking
We’re human and there are no magic recipes for instant success in any activity. But with all the technological development and the hustle and bustle of daily tasks, let’s not forget to use our hands and our God-given talents to exercise our creativity and feed our spirit.
And today we celebrate...