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There is ample evidence of how crafting provides positive emotional benefits. According to Newsweek, the U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study that found "improved well-being by decreasing negative emotions and increasing positive ones" (Newsweek). Personally, I never needed convincing—whenever I’m having a stressful day or life event, I turn to my crafts.
I find the act of crocheting and needlepoint challenging yet repetitive, and therefore relaxing. I enjoy pushing myself to learn new stitches, and the accomplishment of seeing those in a finished project always helps with a boost of confidence and pride!
As a natural homebody, I don’t want to spend every evening just sitting on the couch, but I do like relaxing that way. Having a project means I can also be productive. I have completed most of my crocheted blankets and needlepoint projects during relaxing evenings with my family. In fact, I find I’m more relaxed with my family when I spend a little time doing something for myself. But with crochet and needlepoint, I can be with them at the same time.
Giving these as gifts also brings great joy. I recently wrote a post about making holiday gifts. Though you have to work farther in advance, the effort associated with the gift makes it a much more meaningful experience. I love seeing ornaments I made in past years up on family trees each holiday season.
Here are some additional resources about these benefits.
The Mental Health Benefits of Cross Stitch, The Spruce Crafts
For more about my personal favorite artistic hobbies, check out a few of my previous posts:
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton