It is not surprising that arts and crafts can help us deal with our mental health issues. There has been plenty of studies that show how craft-based activities can be therapeutic to those suffering from stress, depression, and anxiety. One of the best craft-based hobbies that anyone can pick up is sewing and while it might not seem like it, there are many mental health benefits to sewing. Here are just a few of the things sewing can do for your mental health.
It can allow your brain to switch off
Many of us spend a lot of time on our devices but multitasking and being on our digital devices for too long can cause sensory overload, so it is best to take some time off from our laptops and phones and work on a single thing at a time. One of the best things you can do to disconnect from the digital world and allow your brain to relax is sewing.
When you are sewing and want to add custom patches embroidered, you cannot be distracted or turn away from your sewing machine because you must solely concentrate on the task at hand to get the right results. This gives you the opportunity to practice mindfulness, which is doing one thing at a time, and it is becoming a popular method for coping and self-help. Being mindful while you are sewing is very meditative and will not only help you stay calm, but it can also help reduce stress and overthinking.
It can help release dopamine to makes you feel good
Almost everyone who enjoys making arts and crafts will tell you that they feel the happiest when they are working on a new project. This is because their brain releases dopamine when they are being creative, and it makes them feel good while they are working on their art and craft. Dopamine is a chemical that your brain releases to make you feel good, almost like a natural anti-depressant.
Since sewing is a form of craft that requires us to concentrate and be creative, it can also help to increase the level of dopamine. The higher the level of dopamine, the happier, more satisfied, and motivated we are, so if you ever feel down, you can try to work on a sewing project to increase your dopamine levels.
It can boost your self-esteem and make you feel accomplished
You can also increase your dopamine levels after you finish your sewing project because whenever you finish a project that you worked hard on, it feels good. There is a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you manage to finish something you have started from scratch. This sense of accomplishment is just another hidden mental health benefit that sewing provides.
Sewing also provides people with the opportunity to increase their self-esteem because when you work on something, and it comes out nicely, you will feel proud of yourself. Even while creating your work, you can learn new things on the way and improve your skills which can also provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem. You can also make gifts for a loved one and that will also give you a sense of accomplishment because you were able to make something for them with your own hands and skills.
It can help you increase your confidence
Our self-esteem and our confidence go together so when your self-esteem increase, so will your confidence. Many people who suffer from mental health issues have low self-confidence so when there is an opportunity to build your confidence level, you should give it try. Sewing allows you to develop new skills and gain confidence from it, which makes you feel good and satisfied.
Another way sewing can increase your confidence is by going through the process of developing your own sense of style and creativity. That sense of pride you get when you wear something that makes you feel good is unbeatable so when you can create something that you like, you will feel more confident to wear it and show it off.
It can help you create social networks through sewing circles
Sewing may be a one-person activity that you do in your own home, but it can also be a social activity that you do with other people. There are many sewing circles, both online and in real life, that are open to accepting new people and this will allow you to create new relationships with people who share the same interest as you. These social connections can help to build your confidence and reduce the sense of loneliness and isolation.
If you are shy or an introvert, meeting new people can seem like a challenge but since you already share a common interest and hobby with these people, it will be easier to approach them and interact with them. Many sewing circles are very supportive and open to exchanging ideas and information so you do not have to worry about sharing your creations with the group because chances are, they will be very motivating and reassuring.
