Crafty Wellness
- Lisa Wright Burbach
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Starting a new year often brings a fresh sense of purpose and motivation, and a temptation to create those dreaded resolutions. I want to encourage you to feel free to take it a step at a time and be motivated from within. No need to be a "New Year, New You", unless you want to.
For those who love crafting and creating, you have a readily available source for improving your mental wellness, your craft. Crafting is more than just making beautiful things; it can be a powerful tool to improve mental and physical health. This year, I'm going to focus on bringing wellness to crafters in particular, with a new focus on helping you, the crafter, become healthier and walk out your wellness journeys, as well as provide tips and crafty tutorials . I'm in it with you! The Crafting Health Coach. Let's look at the benefits you already have as crafters.
The Crafting Health Coach. Helping crafters be their healthiest selves and open up more space for creativity!
How Crafting Supports Mental Wellness
Crafting offers a natural way to reduce stress and improve mood. When you focus on a creative project, your mind shifts away from worries and negative thoughts, sometimes we call this "getting in the zone". This mental break can lower anxiety and promote a sense of calmness. Studies show that engaging in hands-on activities like knitting, scrapbooking, or card making, as well as things like design, art, and woodworking, releases dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and motivation.
Benefits of crafting for mental wellness include:
Mindfulness and focus: Crafting requires attention to detail, which helps you stay present and mindful.
Sense of accomplishment: Completing a project boosts self-esteem and confidence.
Creative expression: Articulating feelings through craft can be therapeutic and healing as well as exciting and bring joy.
Social connection: Sharing projects with others builds community and reduces feelings of isolation. It's also a great way to give back. According the book "Finding your Unicorn Space" by Eve Rodsky giving back is a key part of our feelings.
For example, a simple card-making session can turn into a mindful practice session; OK, it usually does. From coming up with the idea to executing it this process helps quiet mental chatter and encourages relaxation. For me it's a major stress reliever.
Physical Health Benefits of Crafting
Crafting also offers physical benefits, especially when done regularly and with good ergonomics. Activities like sewing, knitting, or paper crafting improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These skills are valuable for maintaining dexterity, especially as we age.
Physical benefits include:
Improved hand strength and flexibility: Repetitive motions in crafting keep muscles active.
Reduced risk of cognitive decline: Engaging the brain through creative tasks supports memory and problem-solving.
Lowered blood pressure: Relaxation from crafting can contribute to heart health.
One thing to work on: Remembering to take healthy breaks: Crafting encourages stepping away from screens and scrolling, but can lead to less physical activity. But don't worry. I'll be helping with that.
To maximize these benefits, it’s important to set up a comfortable workspace with good lighting and seating. Taking breaks to stretch and change positions helps prevent strain and fatigue.
My Intentions as The Crafting Health Coach
This year, I am dedicating my efforts to support crafters in living healthier, more balanced lives. My goal is to combine my passion for crafting with wellness principles to create a supportive community. Through this blog and Instagram, Youtube, in person and any way I can. I will share tutorials, DIY tips, and wellness mixed in to help you be a well rounded and healthy crafter.
I believe crafting can be a powerful tool for self-care and personal growth. By focusing on wellness, we can enjoy crafting even more and build habits that support long-term health.
Practical Ways to Combine Crafting and Wellness
Here are some simple strategies to make crafting a part of your wellness routine:
Set a regular crafting time: Dedicate 30 minutes a day or a few times a week to creative projects.
Create a calming environment
Practice mindful crafting: Focus fully on the process, noticing textures, colors, and movements, let your self get in the zone.
Incorporate gentle stretches: Before and after crafting, stretch your hands, wrists, neck, and shoulders. Take squat breaks and little walks.
Stay hydrated and take breaks: Drink water and step away from your project to rest your eyes and body and know when it's time to stop.
Share your work: Connect with other crafters online or in person to exchange ideas and encouragement. I love in-person get-togethers! You build relationships, learn, and have fun.
Following The Crafting Health Coach on Instagram
To complement this blog, I will post regularly on Instagram and Youtube with tips, tutorials, and inspiration. You can expect:
Step-by-step guides for card making and other DIY crafts
Wellness advice tailored for crafters
Ideas for creating a healthy crafting space
Recipes and menu planning
Stories from the crafting community
Challenges and prompts to keep your creativity flowing and your wellness flowing. Look for a hydration challenge in January!
Following along will help you stay motivated and connected with others who share your interests. Follow me on Instagram @burbachulous and Youtube.
I received my Health Coach Certification from the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, Now a part of ACE Fitnes. The Institute is a leader in science-based health and wellness education that focuses on the four pillars of health; Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.). A certification by the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute is obtained only after completing the extensive course work and meeting all requirements. Once certified, a Health Coach possesses the knowledge, tools and resources to make a positive difference in the health of others.
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