Science confirms effect: Why I rediscovered an old hobby

Cutting out paper stars, assembling chestnut figures, painting stones – as a child, I was always crafting everywhere. Small creations were given as gifts for every holiday or birthday. Homemade items, I learned early on, come from the heart! And I was able to save my pocket money for myself, too...

As I grew up, however, my desire and time for crafting diminished, until I completely forgot the joy of creating something with my hands. Until recently, when I was thinking about what to give my mom for Mother's Day. Flowers, licorice, a walk together with ice cream? Boring. What if I just craft something again?

Admittedly, the process of coming up with ideas wasn't the same as back when I just started cutting and pasting. This time, TikTok inspired me (although maybe kids today are no different...). But when I finally sat down at the dining table with colorful markers, glue, and glitter, it felt like a trip back in time.

Dust off the paint box!

So I started crafting. And I crafted and crafted. I don't even remember how long I sat there, whether I checked my phone or had a drink in between: I forgot everything around me. Time stood still; there was only me and my work, focused, calm, inspired. When I stood up and shook out my legs, I felt recharged.

Studies confirm this effect

Science also confirms that crafting can indeed have such a strong positive effect on adults. A British study of over 7,000 participants last year found that regular crafting and artistic activities in general significantly increase life satisfaction, as well as a sense of happiness and meaning in life.

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Another systematic review of 19 studies recently showed that crafting can even help with psychological stress. Positive effects were found for anxiety, stress, and depression, among other conditions.

From now on we will be crafting again

If my gut feeling and science agree, the crafting supplies can stay outside for now – and will be used more regularly from now on. Let's hope that my new hobby will ultimately make those around me as happy as it makes me.

Brigitte

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