One of the main things that everyone should focus on is maintaining their everyday routine with healthy eating and sleeping habits. However, that does not mean you should not try new things. Working and socializing from home gives most of us a lot more free time that could be filled with something creative that allows your mind to rest. Knitting and handicrafts are the representation of your feelings that are being expressed just like when talking to others. It is always easier when you share your feelings and thoughts instead of keeping them locked inside. Being in a lockdown does not mean your mind should be restrained. On the contrary, creating something with your own hands can make you proud and happy when seeing the beautiful outcome.
Different studies have proved that cultural activities and engaging with creative arts can boost your psychological functioning into a more positive direction. Activities like painting, sewing, knitting and other handicrafts have been reported to reduce anxiety, whereas visiting museums can decrease the development of dementia. Doing something creative with your own hands gives your brain a chance to rest and get away from the stressful thoughts of daily life. Moreover, according to research by University College London’s MARCH mental health network, cultural activities have been witnessed to reduce social isolation and even lower stress hormones.
Using crafts in the fight against mental health issues is not a new phenomenon. Since the late 19th century, participating in craft and art courses has been prescribed to patients with psychological issues such as anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress syndrome. The courses are still used today for groups like war veterans, proving to be very useful for increasing their overall wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety. The effort put into the task, multi-sensory engagement, repetitive actions and the feeling of accomplishment when finishing a piece of art has been found to release neurotransmitters that cause joy and happiness.
Additionally, participating in handicrafts courses can bring together different people with similar problems or interests. Weekly craft meetings are a good opportunity to meet new people and get out of the four walls of your house. One of the companies arranging this kind of meetings in the UK is Arts and Minds, for example. In the case of a lockdown, when you cannot physically leave your home, there are still opportunities like online or video courses. Even participating in a virtual meeting can give you a chance to socialize and gain new positive relationships.
Anxiety and mental health problems can also be influenced by the lockdown and revealing themselves only after life is starting to get back to normal. Adapting to the lifestyle that is now the new normal can be difficult and challenging for your brain. For some, it might even start to feel scary to leave your house after being safely in there for months. Even in this situation, focusing on the positive in your life and taking up new habits like exercise, meditation or a handicrafts hobby could be really helpful.
So, even if you are restrained in your house or battling with post-lockdown anxiety, why not decide to take up knitting or crochet or learn a completely new handicraft to give your brain some rest and decrease those stress hormones. Something as simple as creating any form of artistic concept can really help to battle with your anxiety, loneliness or even depression. Give it a try! Follow us on Instagram to gain more knitting and crochet inspiration. @korlekie.
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