Whether you’re crafty or not, trying one of these 5 crafts will help you kick worry to the curb. This can help you feel accomplished.
Some people gravitate toward making things with their hands. I have always had an interest in all things craft (although not all crafts come naturally to me). However, when I had my babies, I found it difficult to go back to some of those crafts. Trying new crafts was especially difficult. When I started to list off all the things I enjoy doing to my therapist, a few crafts were among them. Adding these joy givers back into my life has made a huge difference to my mental health. When I’m feeling anxious energy but am simultaneously overwhelmed, picking up my crochet hook or coloring in my adult coloring books gives me somewhere to put that energy and something to accomplish.
In fact, studies have shown there is a link between participating in crafts and reduced anxiety. We also will get a dopamine release from doing crafts. Doing crafts can literally make you feel better! Crafts also bring people together, which is something we could all use as mamas.
My Top 5 Crafts to Help You Kick Worry to the Curb
There are so many crafts to choose from. I’ve had many years of experience before and after kids, so I am excited to tell you my favorites.
- Crochet. If you have followed me on Instagram or Facebook then you are probably not surprised that this is my top choice. I used Youtube to teach me how to crochet 15 years ago and I’ve never looked back. Once you get the hang of it, sitting with a cup of tea, some favorite music and some colorful yarn is one of the best things in the world. I sometimes share my current WIP (work in progress) on Instagram, so let’s connect!
- Painting/Drawing/Coloring. I am not the best at painting or drawing, but I enjoy trying sometimes. I have been to a few paint alongs, done paint by number, and doodled some breakfast foods on my notebooks. Of course, my go to is adult coloring. It’s so easy to pick up my book and gel pens and just color as little or as much as I feel like.
- Cooking/Baking . While this is not a “craft,” per se, working with your hands counts. This is something we have to do all the time to feed our families, so why not enjoy it? Look up a favorite recipe or even just enjoy the process of the “dump and go” dinners. I play music while I cook and hyper focus on what I’m doing (as much as I can with kids interrupting at certain times). There’s something therapeutic about cooking if you take the time to breathe and slow down while you’re doing it.
- Sewing. Ok, look, sewing is not my strong point whatsoever. I wanted to add this to the list, though, because so many women enjoy the process and find nothing more relaxing than sewing a new throw pillow or outfit. This craft is on my list to master one day, but I am not there yet. My friend Lauren, soon after having her twins, set up a whole business after learning to sew. She makes the most beautiful things. Check out her shop here.
- Gardening. Being outside helps our mood, so I can safely assume digging in the dirt and growing our own plants will benefit our mental health greatly.
What are your favorite crafts? Have you made time for them postpartum?
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