It’s still pretty warm outside, but autumn is right around the corner. That means temperatures will drop and it will get darker outside a little bit earlier. For some people, they love the colder and darker months, but for some it can be a hard time of year to get through. Because the temperature changes, most people find themselves indoors just watching the clock go by. That’s why finding a new hobby or craft can come in handy.
There are some mental health issues associated with the change of season. When people are indoors, not getting outside and exercising, they end up filling their time with their thoughts. Unfortunately, this can lead some people down a bad path making this time of year especially difficult to get through. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often called seasonal depression, is a type of depression that occurs in some people during fall and winter. Studies show that at least 5% of adults in the United States suffer from SAD, and it can actually last for about 40% of the calendar year. You might think this number is low in the grand scheme of things, but it truly does affect a great deal of people. Depression is not something to be taken lightly, and that’s why finding coping mechanisms is important.
There are many symptoms associated with SAD. People might find themselves feeling depressed, losing interest in activities, dealing with changes in appetite and sleep, feeling worthless, or even having trouble thinking clearly. Think of how you feel when it’s sunny and 75 outside. You might feel happy and excited to take on the day, but then imagine how people feel when it’s cold and dark for months on end; they might just feel the opposite.
Taking up a new hobby like crafting can help people feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment that they are looking for during the winter months. Crafting can help them take their minds off the stressors and worries of everyday life, and give them something to look forward to at the end of the day. Being in a creative and stable environment can help people cope with their mental health issues. Crafting is a form of self care that can encourage people to keep moving even when the sun isn’t shining.
“Crafting is a great way to get your heart rate down and focus on something other than the usual stressors of our lives. When you put your mind to another task it can help give you a space to almost remove yourself from reality. Crocheting, going on a walk or watching your favorite movie gives you the space to not worry about the other things in life. Self care means taking care of yourself physically and mentally, and crafting is a great way to nourish your body and mind,” says Corey Pearson, Chief Quilt Artist and Brand Ambassador at Linda’s.
Body and mind are connected, and crafting can help people feel better physically as well. There are so many benefits to crafting including low blood pressure, improved hand-eye coordination and lower stress levels. Decreasing the tension in your body can help you feel more relaxed as a whole. What better way to calm your body than to do something where you feel productive and creative at the same time?
“The hardest part about practicing self care is finding the time to do the things that relax and calm you down. Our lives are usually pretty busy, and self care is not really etched into our daily schedules. The best way to relax is to incorporate it into the things you love,” says Pearson.
SAD is not something to just ignore. Those depressed feelings need to be addressed, because people do not deserve to suffer in silence. Winter can be a hard time for many, but finding ways to take your mind off your stress can do wonders for your mental health. Crafting, no matter what it is, is a great way to get your hands and your mind concentrated on something more useful. It’s important to get mental help from a professional source as well, but a hobby like crafting can help you in the comfort of your own home. What sort of craft will you try as the seasons change?