October is here, and that means the holidays are right around the corner. No matter what you celebrate, it’s still one of the busiest times of the year, and it’s no wonder you might be feeling stressed. Your plate is probably full between all the family and friend gatherings and Q4 finishing up. Where do you find the time for self-care and relaxation? If you are not currently prioritizing your own health, it’s time to start. Don’t let the busy holiday season keep you from staying in tune with yourself. Perhaps crafting is the hobby that will help fill some of your time as 2024 begins to come to a close.
You might be thinking that you don’t even have the time to start a craft. Even though your schedule might be stressing you out, it’s necessary to make sure your mental and physical health are taken care of. You cannot be productive at work or in your social life if your mental battery is running low. Everyone deserves a little reset, and with the temperatures beginning to cool down, crafting is a great hobby to enjoy yourself.
“The hardest part about practicing self-care is finding the time to do the things that relax and calm you down. Our lives are usually pretty busy, and self-care is not really etched into our daily schedules. The best way to relax is to incorporate it into the things you love,” says Corey Pearson, Chief Quilt Artist and Brand Ambassador at Linda’s.
Whether you take up quilting, crocheting, painting, or sewing, there is no shortage of ways for you to test your creative skills and unwind after a busy day. Did you know that crafting can actually help you destress and give you a much-needed serotonin boost to ease your anxious mind? Serotonin is a natural antidepressant that your body produces, and crafting can potentially help your body release that. That means crafting may potentially help you feel happier and stress-free. During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in all the overwhelming activities and errands, but crafting can help you take a mental break.
Crafting can also potentially boost your physical health. Crafting is a great distraction, as it can help potentially lower your blood pressure and improve hand-eye coordination. No matter how you choose to explore your creativity, it is a great way to prevent your body from being overworked. When your body is relaxed, so will your mind, and vice versa. Crafting is a chain reaction of health.
“Crafting is a great way to get your heart rate down and focus on something other than the usual stressors of our lives. Putting your mind to another task can help give you a space to almost remove yourself from reality. Crocheting, going on a walk, or watching your favorite movie gives you the space to not worry about the other things in life. Self-care means taking care of yourself physically and mentally, and crafting is a great way to nourish your body and mind,” says Pearson.
Just because your life is busy doesn’t mean it always has to be. Everyone deserves a little “me time,” and crafting can give you a sense of accomplishment that differs from your job or social life. Being creative can help your mind explore in a positive way and help you step out of your comfort zone. Even though it might feel impossible to find time to craft, it could be a good habit to get into. It might even help you feel more productive at work.
The holidays are always bustling, and that can be fun. When things start to get overwhelming, where do you turn? Perhaps crafting can help you sit back, relax, and enjoy the season of life you are in. The holidays are supposed to be fun, but feeling tense can make the whole season just like something to get through. If you prioritize your mental health a little each week, it can create a whole new outlook on life. Crafting is just an avenue to express yourself, free from societal pressures. Your mental health is the greatest gift of all this holiday season.
Published by: Holy Minoza
