Arts and crafts help the brain focus on something that people enjoy. It can relieve stress and anxiety. Art may explain how people are feeling or give other people inspiration. It also boosts self-confidence after accomplishing such an amazing piece of art.
It doesn’t matter how big or small the piece art is, it can help people come back to the present. It could be doodling or random lines, which allows your brain to focus on something instead of daydreaming.
In the article “What Art Does for Your Brain” on the Greater Good Magazine website, it states, “It may seem a mystery that we make or enjoy art at all. But art has been part of every culture on the planet for tens of thousands of years. This means art is central to our survival somehow, perhaps helping us to make new intuitive leaps and innovate and to help bind us to one another.”
Think of crafts as a meditation skill; such as diamond art or paint by number. These can help you feel a lot less tense after doing homework, being really bored, or just for fun. Things like this can take your mind off racing thoughts. Doing something that is repetitive can help you concentrate more easily.
Another form of art you could try is illustrated poetry. This can help you open your mind and connect to your imagination. Creating a piece that can also speak to other people can make you feel a lot less alone. Knowing that other people sometimes feel the same way.
I asked Pitman senior- and my sister – Sophia Hearty about why doing arts and crafts help people’s mental health. She said, “It helps them distract themselves, and find something they are passionate about.”
I also interviewed my 9th grade art teacher Ms. Zaharris, and asked her why it is so important for schools to teach art. She responded, “It is so important for students to be able to express themselves and practice being creative. Creativity is a muscle related to problem solving skills that can really help them in other areas. It is also a time for students to slow down and have sustained focus on a project and watch themselves improve over time. Some students find a lot of peace and joy throughout the process, which is great for overall mental health and wellbeing.”
If you ever feel overwhelmed by anything in life, get any craft or writing utensil. It doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect, just something to focus on for the time being. Practicing will allow people to enjoy arts and crafts even more when they see how much they have created. It’s a skill that anyone can master!