Rewards
Written by Michaela MacBlake Matthews
Taking the time to craft has been shown to improve mental health, lower anxiety, and even fight depression! Fiber arts like knitting and crochet can certainly boost your mood, and give you a sense of accomplishment, but how you go about your crafting can make a big impact, too! Here are five tips for getting the most out of your self-care crafts!
1. Take The Time To Tidy Up First
You’re worth the extra few minutes! Give yourself a clear space to work with, and when you’re feeling up to it, organize your supplies. A little color coding may seem silly to some, but it can sometimes be the difference between a landing-pad and a sanctuary.
2. Choose The Designs YOU Like
We all love to make gifts and try out new trends, but there’s something to be said for making something custom tailored to your own tastes and interests. Spoil yourself by making a project that fits you to a ‘T’!
3. Go Easy On Yourself
Take your time, and don’t be afraid to make some mistakes along the way. Remember to let yourself off the hook, and release control over the outcome as needed. After all, this is your time to unwind- the craft itself is just a bonus!
4. Play Music Or Watch A Movie While You Work
Sometimes, when we’re in stress-mode, we train ourselves to hyperfocus at all times. The trick to this one is to put on a movie or a type of music you know well, and allow yourself to drift in and out of focus. Miss some dialogue, replay a track, switch halfway through- there is no one around to say you can’t!
5. Splurge A Little On Your Supplies
A little bit of high quality silk, a gorgeous new color, a hand-beaded applique… Every now and then, you’ve just gotta say ‘yes’. Life is meant to be lived! Don’t ration your good supplies, either. Allow yourself to live in abundance, and embrace your creative wants from time to time! You’ll be glad you did.
With these five tips, and the naturally meditative qualities of crafting, Fiber Arts can easily become a full-blown spa experience! Heck, you can even add a little aromatherapy into the mix. All you have to do, really, is learn to allow yourself to be kind to you. Once the decision is made to do just that, the practice itself is lushly oh-so-easy.
"Mac" is on the Lifestyle Team here at Darn Good Yarn, and loves taking a ‘teach a man to fish’ approach to creative therapy. She is certified in neuro-linguistic programming, and is also the surreal artist and author behind Surrealismac.
