Lift & Shift Foundation

Crafting for Stress Relief

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Reduce Stress by Crafting

Discover the Joy of Crafting

At Lift and Shift Foundation, we believe in the power of crafting as a stress relief activity. Crafting engages your creativity and allows you to focus your mind on creating something beautiful. Whether you're a veteran seeking solace or a member of the general public looking for a new hobby, crafting can be a fulfilling and satisfying choice.

Woman crafting at a table

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Crafting: A Source of Stress Relief

Crafting has been proven to be a therapeutic activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Engaging in creative pursuits releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. The process of crafting allows you to immerse yourself in the present moment, promoting mindfulness and providing a temporary escape from everyday worries.

Getting Started with Crafting

If you're new to crafting, don't worry! Getting started is easy and enjoyable. Here are some simple steps to begin your crafting journey:

  • Choose a Crafting Type: Explore various crafting options such as knitting, painting, origami, woodworking, or jewelry making. Find one that sparks your interest.
  • Gather Supplies: Depending on your chosen craft, collect basic materials and tools to get started.
  • Start with Beginner Projects: Begin with simple projects to build confidence and gradually work your way up to more complex creations.

Basic Crafting Needs

To fully enjoy your crafting experience, consider having these basic supplies on hand:

  • For Knitting: Yarn, knitting needles, and scissors.
  • For Painting: Paints, brushes, canvases, and a palette.
  • For Woodworking: Wood, saw, sandpaper, and wood glue.
  • For Jewelry Making: Beads, wire, pliers, and clasps.

Fostering Long-term Satisfaction

Crafting is more than just a hobby; it can become a lifelong passion. Here are some tips to nurture long-term satisfaction with crafting:

  • Join Crafting Communities: Connect with fellow crafters, attend workshops, and participate in crafting events to share ideas and experiences.
  • Challenge Yourself: Continuously improve your skills by taking on more challenging projects and learning new techniques.
  • Gift and Share: Craft personalized gifts for friends and family, spreading joy through your creations.

Support the Lift & Shift Foundation

We believe supporting stress-reducing hobbies is an important part of our mission. If you found our tips helpful, please consider sharing them with your friends, family, and community. You never know who might benefit from picking up a pen and putting their thoughts on paper. And if you'd like to stay up-to-date on our latest stress-reducing activities, join our email newsletter today.

References:
  1. Koestler, Arthur. "The act of creation." (1964).
  2. Ji, Linchong, and Zhiyong Liu. “Analysis of the Effects of Arts and Crafts in Public Mental Health Education Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology.” Journal of environmental and public health vol. 2022 9201892. 31 Aug. 2022, doi:10.1155/2022/9201892
  3. Kim, Kyung Soo, and Maichou Lor. “Art Making as a Health Intervention: Concept Analysis and Implications for Nursing Interventions.” ANS. Advances in nursing science vol. 45,2 (2022): 155-169. doi:10.1097/ANS.0000000000000412