Research shows that having a hobby like painting, woodwork, cooking, knitting, crocheting, art journaling, visible mending and darning helps –
1) increase serotonin (our feel-good chemical)
2) reduce anxiety
3) build self-esteem
4) help you sleep better
5) reduce stress
6) reduce irritability and restlessness
7) lower blood pressure
8) relieve boredom
9) help you stop focusing on food
10) help the grieving process or other highly stressful events in life
11) it would seem that people who paint, woodwork, cook, embroider, knit, crochet and continue late into their lives – live longer and, importantly, happier.
12) research has shown that it can slow down or even prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s!
All excellent news 🙂
Slowing Down
There is much value to be gained from slowing down and producing something wonderfully handmade. A time to be mindful, enjoy and recuperate. But, of course, the hobby you choose is up to you; whatever makes you happy, any creative pastime will have a positive effect.
As a naturopath/nutritionist, I am mindful of the food and drink I consume and about pastimes or hobbies. We all know that health and well-being have many facets, and having a mindful hobby is essential — creating those cwtch moments.
Growing Trend
There has been a rise in sales of all kinds of hobby or craft stuff. A few decades ago, it might have been the retired who had these pursuits. Now, men and women of all ages are taking up things like embroidery, woodwork, knitting, art journalling, baking, or painting to deal with their stressful jobs. There is a return to traditional crafts with a modern new look. The sky is the limit where design and creativity are concerned. Part of this trend is visible mending and darning. Please take a look at our Cwtch Lifestyle Mend-Darn-Repair Kits.
Metal Health Benefits
In everyday life and work, creativity is vital. This means that the mind needs to be alert and engaged. In addition, creativity helps train the brain, so overall performance and mental capacity are improved.
To avoid bottling up all that accumulated stress, tune out and enjoy the simpler things in life. One way could be through the relaxing and therapeutic benefits of a hobby you enjoy.
Emotional Benefits
Today, the working culture has led to high levels of expectations and stress. Through a hobby, the mind can focus on a different activity; it’s calming. There is also pride in producing something, leaving you in a much better emotional state.
Physical Benefits
Most people wouldn’t consider such hobbies as painting or embroidery not to need any effort, but hobbies like these and similar crafts mean physical health can be enhanced! This is because the nervous system controls all of the body’s functions, with the brain being part of the central nervous system. A better nervous system means a better functioning body all around.
Better all round
More doctors are encouraging patients to engage in activities that help keep their brains agile and deal with stress.
Conclusion on mindful hobbies
Better health means a better life.
More creativity means more fun 🙂
WebMD on health and hobbies
