“Busy hands can bring a quiet mind.”
Have you noticed how even the simplest of tasks you do with your hands can bring a degree of focus, mindfulness and even relaxation?
So much so, that the therapeutic advantage of doing crafts projects has been appreciated for many years. For example, anxious women in the nineteenth century were advised to take up knitting due to the calming effect of a simple repeated task. Also, basket weaving was introduced in hospitals during World War One, as it was found to be an effective way to help shellshocked veterans.
These are two of the earliest examples of Occupational Therapy; activities that assess needs, and aid recovery.
Of course, we do lots of mundane things with our hands, like prodding away at keyboards or folding laundry. For maximum therapeutic value, you need to combine something soothing and progressive, with a degree of creativity – which brings us to modern day crafting.
Thanks to the abundance of different craft projects now available, it is something all ages of people can use as a source of relaxation and distraction. It goes beyond that though, as using our hands and imaginations to create something solid will also improve mental and physical dexterity and stimulate important brain processes.
That’s equally true whether you are creating a practical item or something aesthetically pleasing, and whether you are engaged in weaving, beading, decoupage, carving, ceramic painting or model making, for example.
Creating something with your hands is certainly one of the best things to try if you are struggling with stress or recovering from a traumatic experience. It is also a great option for supporting someone who has dementia, or cognitive impairment due to age.
Here are things to keep in mind, to make crafting both therapeutic and enjoyable.
Manage expectations
This is one time when the process is more important than the outcome. Crafting for better mental health and to engage someone with dementia is not about creating works of art!
It should be all about going through a series of steps to make something three dimensional, which also allows for a degree of free expression and creativity if possible. This all stimulates different parts of the brain, and boosts the pleasure and sense of purpose involved.
Then, the pride at the end should be in completing this project and creating something uniquely your own. No one else needs to think it’s fabulous! (Though lots of positive affirmation from care givers is always a wonderful idea.)
Completing a craft project, no matter how simple or complex, brings a sense of achievement and self-worth that can go well beyond how ‘polished’ the item actually is.
Create a creative environment
The first task is to find something achievable and practical, for you or the person you are helping. Then, using crafting as a distraction, form of relaxation and a therapeutic tool requires that you to have the right setting and materials.
Crafting relieves stress, but not if you are limited in some way, including being fearful of making a mess, feeling judged or ‘controlled’ or uncomfortable leaning over your project.
Prepare for your craft task by laying out any protective covers you may need, and plenty of the right materials and equipment.
If you or a person in your care struggles to reach a table, or you need a craft surface you can move around, there is a fabulous multi-purpose Shelf Trolley on Amazon. It is height adjustable, and offers work and storage space. You can move it aside and store it with ease too.
(Affiliate link).
Decide on a solo or social activity
It could be that the best way to benefit mentally and emotionally from crafting where YOU are concerned, is to lose yourself in the project for a while. You can become mindful in peace and quiet.
However, there are occasions when crafting can stimulate important social interaction.
For example, young children or anyone else uncomfortable around someone with dementia may well be able to interact with them better if they are engaged in a simple craft task, like threading things through cards, or creating strings of large beads.
In group therapy sessions for mental health or dementia support, a joint period of creativity can be an icebreaker and a way to get people chatting, or at least relaxing together. A shared goal or activity establishes a sense of belonging and ‘community’ too.
Crafting as a therapeutic tool can also be used by counsellors as a basis of open discussion. Someone with their hands occupied and a step-process to focus on may be able to tackle tough topics more readily, while they ‘work’.
This is a way to make new friends too. If you are feeling lonely or lacking in purpose, you could gain initial confidence at home, and then join a local crafting group to expand your abilities and share the fun with others.
Many of the issues of the day have been thoroughly discussed at wonderful local 'Knit and Natter' groups, or gatherings to discuss model making endeavours!
Calm and unrushed crafting
Creating a well-equipped environment is important, but mental preparation matters too. That starts with seeing this project as fun and form of therapeutic free-expression or step-process.
However, to get the maximum mental and emotional benefit from this activity, there also needs to be ample time and no sense of urgency. This is especially true for someone who already has stress or anxiety.
In addition, there should be no obligation to complete a craft project if someone is struggling or losing interest. Experimentation is often vital, to find craft tasks that are engaging, relaxing and inspiring.
Ideas for therapeutic crafts
One of the wonderful advantages of crafting as a mental health or dementia support option, is that it doesn’t have to involve a lot of expense. Remember, it's the process that really matters.
This US website includes a colourful list of low cost craft projects for elderly people to try (or beginners at this sort of thing).
Good Housekeeping magazine published a great guide to craft projects for adults, including creative projects on a small budget too.
If you do decide to buy a crafting project or materials, there are many ideas and products on Amazon, including this array of crafting materials and craft kits for adults. (affiliate link). Whatever you choose to do, it's worth a try, and you could find a new hobby or interest that brings you pleasure for many years to come.