The Zen of Crafting - How DIY Craft Projects Improve your Mood

Move over meditation, yoga, and exercise, there's a new player in town that's improving people's mental health all around the nation: crafting. Stress relief, relaxation, and that much-needed sense of accomplishment are just a few of the positive emotions people commonly feel while crafting and when showing off the fruits of their labor. Not only does crafting make you happier, but it also implores skills such as problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. We will admit, it is a bit tough to convince people of these legitimate benefits of crafting, but once they try, they almost always immediately become advocates themselves.

If you have ever visited the Adult & Crafts Facebook page, you will already know that "crafting is cheaper than therapy" is one of our favorite quotes. For example, we recently had Anna Rodriguez review our Wood Burned Tree Slice Kit and she said "Once I got into the groove of burning this design into the tree slice, I went completely zen. I became one with the wood. It was awesome". This is coming from someone who admittedly said activities such as drawing are a bit anxiety-provoking (don't worry, we don't sell drawing kits). Many people assume the end product is why you would want to purchase a craft kit, but we find that most people enjoy the process of making it just as much, if not a little more. 

For many of us, there are areas of the right-side of our brains that have been dormant since maybe our middle-school art class. Those juices only become more and more stagnant when entering into the professional world where everything is so process driven. Craft kits offer the opportunity to get those juices flowing again and use your creativity to make your own work of art. That's one of the beautiful aspects of our craft kits, we simply provide the materials and an outline, while you get to put your own personal touch on the project. You'll be amazed how effective focusing on something you really want to do is at zoning out all the distractions that life presents. People commonly rave about the zen or trance they get into while crafting, so much, in fact, they sign-up for monthly craft subscription box after doing just one craft kit. 

Crafting solo can be a fantastic hiatus from everyday life, but when throwing in a loved one or a few friends, the community aspect of crafting provides that camaraderie that is usually only found in team competitions. You'll find yourselves supporting each other to make the best piece possible. Whenever an obstacle arises, figuring out what to do next together has a funny way of building stronger relationships. The social benefits are aplenty, but maybe the best part is you'll always remember the occasion by not only the finished products you all made, but by the positive emotions felt while doing something fun and unique. Our party packs are the absolute easiest way to have an awesome craft party for almost any occasion.

By now you can see how crafting has the potential to be a great mood-improving. What makes it even better, is that it is the gift that keeps on giving. Every time someone sees one of your crafts and asks you about it, you'll be getting that good ole' warm and fuzzy feeling. The sense of pride you feel with pieces you create and having unique talking pieces around your house will have you hosting your friends more than you ever have before. 

Let us not forget that doing a craft kit with your partner can be one of the most therapeutic dates of all time. First of all, it brings you together in a setting where you can forget about everything else except each other and the craft. Creating a piece together can invoke organic conversation that perhaps has been missing a bit. And finally, when you do finish that piece, every time you two look at it, you'll be reminded of the happiness you felt while making it. 

All in all, whether you are by yourself, with your significant other, or with a group of friends, crafting simply makes you happier. Don't believe us? Well just try one of our kits and see for yourself ;) Just like many of our customers, after you try one, you'll want to sign-up for our monthly subscription box. 

Thanks for visiting Adults & Crafts!