Crafting Makes for Good Therapy

Photo above- Created party hats and décor for my son's "Where the Wild Things Are" themed birthday party.

Do I feel a good crafting session is therapeutic? Absolutely! Positively! Definitely! Now I’m not talking about the rush craft project that I accept for my kid’s class even though I know I don’t have time for it. Those are crafts done under fire and they’re just anxiety filled from beginning to end. I’m talking about the planned out crafts that you begin in a relaxed mindset or even better the craft sessions you have marked on the calendar that you do with a girlfriend and a glass of your favorite beverage. Wink. Wink.

I find that taking the time out to do something like crafting that requires my focus allows me to relax and zone out.

For me, the therapeutic part begins when I’m so deep into the project that I’m simply distracted from my troubles. I find that taking the time out to do something like crafting that requires my focus allows me to relax and zone out. Afterwards I feel refreshed and energized and the best part is I have a physical reminder that I can later look at and feel proud of myself. The everyday hustle of life can often take over one’s need for personal time. We all need to give ourselves the opportunity to make it all about us whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath or taking on a hobby.

Creating has always been a big part of my life. I remember sewing my sixth grade picture dress. In fact, I created my first handbag as a simple craft project and that turned into a company that is still going strong over twenty years later. Before I started my company, I was contemplating becoming an elementary school teacher. It was during a crafting session and having that "me time" that I was able to realize that being a teacher wasn't going to make me happy. So from that point forward whenever I have an issue or just need to relax, I like to craft to help me find clarity.

I am not alone in my thinking that crafting makes for good therapy. There have been many books written on the subject. If you're interested, these are a few that I am fond of...

1- Love in Every Stitch: Stories of Knitting and Healing by Lee Gant

2- Zen and the Art of Needlecraft: Exploring the Links Between Needlecraft, Spirituality, and Creativity by Sandra Detrixhe

3- Papercraft Therapy: A Step by Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Objects

4- Relaxing Therapy: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book by Crafty Arts