Today, I want to talk about the mental health benefits I get from crafting.
For a long time, it was knitting and crochet, then cross-stitch, and now I’m really into watercolor painting. I’ve been a crafter my whole life. In early adulthood, I started using knitting as a way to cope with anxiety and depression. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but it got me through a lot of tough times, so I still love knitting even 20 years later.
But now, watercolor painting has my heart. Over the last year, I’ve fallen in love with it, and it’s become a wonderful outlet. One thing I really like about watercolor is how affordable it is to start compared to other crafts I’ve tried over the years. I’ve had my watercolor kit for about a year, and I’ve used it a ton, but it still looks almost brand new. I can tell this is going to be a really inexpensive hobby to continue!
Before I got my watercolor kit, I hadn’t done much drawing, so this was a whole new medium for me. It was fun from the beginning, but of course, the more skilled I’ve gotten over the past year, the more enjoyable it’s become. Now, I have more control over the outcome, which makes it even better!
The first watercolor kit I got is small, with 100 colors, but it folds up and comes with travel brushes that hold water inside, so you can literally take it anywhere and paint! I also keep a small watercolor paper tablet with it. Since they’re about the same size, I can easily bring them along on outdoor adventures with Pharaby.
Another thing I love about watercolor is that it takes a little time to dry between layers, which makes it the perfect craft to do when I only have a few minutes to spare. You can speed up the drying process with a heat tool or hairdryer if you want, but honestly, I enjoy taking the break between layers to think about what I want to do next. It also gives me something to look forward to throughout the day.
Why Crafting is Good for Your Mental Health
Whether it’s knitting, cross-stitching, or painting, crafting has helped me through some tough times. Beyond being fun, it also comes with some amazing mental health benefits.
Here are my top 5 Mental Health Benefits of Crafting
1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Crafting provides a calming, meditative effect that helps reduce anxiety. Focusing on each stitch in knitting, a brushstroke in painting, or the repetition of cross-stitch can shift your mind away from stressors, creating a peaceful mental break.
2. Improves Mood
Crafting releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. Whether it’s completing a cross-stitch pattern or finishing a watercolor piece, the sense of accomplishment from creating something with your hands lifts your mood.
3. Boosts Self-Esteem
As you progress in your craft, you develop new skills, giving you a confidence boost. It’s empowering to see yourself improve, from shaky beginner stitches or brushstrokes to more intricate designs and detailed artwork.
4. Encourages Mindfulness
Crafting requires concentration and being present, which are essential parts of mindfulness. The repetitive motions in knitting or the focus on details in painting help you stay in the moment, gently guiding you away from worry and into a mindful state.
5. Offers a Sense of Control
Life can feel unpredictable, but crafting offers you control over the outcome. Whether it’s choosing colors for a project or deciding what to paint next, these little decisions can be incredibly empowering, especially when life feels chaotic.
