There’s something magical about sitting down with a blank canvas—or in my case, a table full of yarn or a pile of fabric —and creating something with my own hands. Crafting has become more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to reconnect with myself, calm my mind, and experience a sense of accomplishment that feels deeply personal. Whether I’m crocheting a scarf, knitting a shawl, or measuring and cutting yarn, creating has solidified itself as my favorite creative outlet. And the benefits? They’re both mental and emotional.
Crafting as a Mental Escape
For me, crafting provides a mental break from the demands of daily life. With work, responsibilities, and the constant need to be “on,” it can be difficult to carve out time to disconnect. Crafting offers that rare opportunity to get lost in something entirely different. As I focus on my project, I can feel my mind slow down, the noise of the day fades away, and I enter a calm, meditative state. This mental escape isn’t just a fleeting moment of peace—it’s a tool I can return to time and time again to de-stress and reset.
There’s something uniquely soothing about the repetitive motion of certain crafts, like knitting, that allows my mind to unwind. Studies even suggest that these activities can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and increase mindfulness. After my kidney transplant, prioritizing my health became more than just a physical focus—it also required finding ways to protect my mental well-being. Re-engaging with crafting became an essential part of that process.
Reconnecting with Myself Through Creativity
One of the most beautiful aspects of crafting is that it forces me to slow down and focus instead of trying to multitask. It allows me to reconnect with who I am at my core: a creator. As a manager of children’s librarians, I spend my days immersed in knowledge and organization, helping others find the information they need, supporting my staff, and collaborating with the community. But when I craft, it’s time I devote entirely to my creative expression. It’s my opportunity to play with colors, textures, and materials, and, since I am just learning and exploring, I can craft without the pressure of deadlines or expectations. I get to discover what excites me and express myself in ways that feel fulfilling.
Crafting also reconnects me with my past. I spend so much time lamenting not having learned how to knot from my grandmother that I forget how the buzz of her sewing machine would hum as she hemmed clothes or how my mom would create and play dolls with my sister and me. I think about the times The Bee and I would write books together or spend time baking and coming up with dairy free treats. Crafting now reminds me of those family traditions and the joy of creating something from nothing. It brings me back to simpler times, when life wasn’t so fast-paced, and creativity was a natural part of everyday life.
The Emotional Benefits of Crafting
Crafting is more than just a creative outlet for me; it’s also an emotional release. When I’m feeling stressed, anxious, or even a little low, working with my hands can completely shift my mood. The process of focusing on a project—whether big or small—helps me release built-up tension and center myself in the present moment. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in completing a project, no matter how small, and it boosts my mood in ways I didn’t always expect.
Crafting has also become a way for me to connect with others. Craft circles allow me to be with like-minded people, making gifts for family and friends or supporting other artists creates a wonderful sense of community that has enriched my emotional well-being. Sharing my creations brings a sense of pride and accomplishment, and it fosters deeper connections with the people I care about. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about the final product—it’s also about the process, the shared moments, and the stories behind each creation.
Crafting as Therapy
Since my kidney transplant, I’ve been more intentional about managing stress, improving my mental health, and nurturing my emotional well-being. Crafting has been one of the most effective and enjoyable forms of therapy for me. It helps me manage the overwhelming feelings that sometimes come with navigating chronic illness. When I craft, I feel in control of the process, and that’s empowering.
Crafting offers an opportunity to problem-solve in a fun, low-pressure way. If something doesn’t work out the way I planned, I can always undo stitches, try a new pattern, or reimagine the project entirely. That sense of flexibility has translated to other parts of my life, reminding me that things don’t always have to go perfectly to be worthwhile.
At its core, crafting helps me reconnect—with my creativity, my emotions, and even the world around me. It’s more than just making something tangible; it’s a way to nurture my mind and soul. For anyone looking for a creative outlet that also offers emotional and mental benefits, I encourage you to try crafting. Whether you’re picking up knitting needles for the first time or revisiting a childhood hobby, you might just find that crafting helps you reconnect in ways you never expected.
Want to connect and share crafty things? Follow me on Instagram where I’ve been sharing photos of sewing things!
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