Research shows that hands-on work has therapeutic value. Activities like knitting, gardening, and coloring have been associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and stress and improved cognitive function. 

In an interview with The New York Times, behavioral neuroscience professor Dr. Kelly Lambert explained that relief comes from the satisfaction of seeing the final product.

“That builds up a sense of accomplishment and control over your world,” Dr. Lambert explained. 

Another study that supports this theory comes from researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Their findings show that handwriting is associated with “more elaborate” brain activity compared to typing. 

According to Audrey van der Meer, one of the study’s authors, writing by hand allows the individual to form letters using finely controlled movements. As she explains, these hand actions lead to brain connectivity.

Many may feel daunted by the idea of creating something from scratch. Art therapist and psychology professor Chistianne Strang recommends starting small to avoid intimidating yourself. 

Strang recommends beginning with small doodles while drinking your morning coffee. This meditative practice can produce beautiful artwork.

There is also the pressure of wanting to create a masterpiece from the get-go, which is impossible. Artist Susie Brandt advises against this thinking and recommends embodying a “learner’s mind” by being spontaneous. 

“As an artist, I make things to surprise myself. I don’t know what I’m going to get,” Brandt told The New York Times in an interview.

Still on the topic of having the proper mindset, researcher Natascha Chtena says people tend to confuse handicrafts with chores. In an article for Inside Higher Ed, she noted that it’s not about completing routine tasks. Rather, the focus should be “the pure joy of creating something from zero.” 

“There’s a difference between making your own home repairs to save money versus making your own home decor crafts to add personal accents to your place,” she wrote.

Readers, we’d love to hear your input. Have you done any form of handicraft lately? How was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!