As adults, when we’re prioritising work, housework and family commitments, our own hobby time often gets left till last, or given no time at all. However, actively engaging in creative activities, such as needlecrafts, has been proven to be beneficial for adult mental well-being, which can help us to lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. So, maybe it’s time to factor more creativity into our busy schedules.
‘Creativity is at the core of innovation. We rely on innovation for advancing humanity, as well as for pleasure and entertainment,” he said. “Creativity underlies so much of what humans value.’ Jonathan Schooler, PHD
Why the creative process is as important as the outcome
When young children draw, paint, make models and engage in other craft projects, the emphasis is on having fun, exploring and being creative. The benefits are immense for the development of their fine motor skills, imagination and confidence. Yet, with the onset of the teenage years, many people lose their natural confidence in being creative and give up. It might be as a result of getting discouraged by a single, negative comment from a peer, or from having perfectionist tendencies. As adults, we are often too focused on the outcome and we can then lose the benefits of enjoying the creative process itself – going with the flow and making the most of our skills and talents.
With needlecraft, It’s the actual process of knitting and crocheting that brings the biggest value for our mental health and wellbeing. As an avid needlecrafter myself, it’s the rhythmical clack of the needles that helps me to feel calm, being immersed in flow (which allows me to subconsciously process the challenges of my day) and using craft to express my feelings and emotions.
‘Craft can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness and even dementia, according to research.’ Craft Council
Is it ever too late to learn a new skill?
Many parents re-discover a love of creativity, when they engage in messy play with their children, or dig out their old knitting needles or crochet hook, to pass skills on to them, that they learnt as a child themselves. Sharing skills is a great bonding experience and a good way to incorporate creative time with family time. Learning a new skill together is also beneficial, as is learning a new skill from our children.
Trying something new is often something that people do when they retire, to keep their brain active, to occupy their days with something that is fun and challenging and to meet new people socially. It might be on their bucket list to learn to crochet, for example, or to go to a creative arts class.
The ‘Creativity Found’ podcast
I love listening to the ‘Creativity Found’ podcast. The premise of the podcast is that people can find their creativity at any age. The host and founder, Claire Waite Brown, chats with people who have found or re-found their creativity in adulthood and each episode is filled with inspiring ways to help adults to get creative.
Creativity Found podcast: Finding creativity at any age
Yarny Bees
I’m so passionate about the benefits of crafting, that I’ve built my whole business around it! I spend my days surrounded by soft, squishy balls of yarn, talking about knitting and crocheting, helping others to develop their needlecraft skills and making finished items for customers to purchase. What’s not to love?
Click here, to find out more about my yarn store and needlecraft classes for people of all ages and at all stages. https://www.yarnybees.co.uk
If you are in Lichfield, pop in and say hi, ask for advice on your latest project, or join one of our Craft Hive sessions, which offer so much more than just a knit and natter.
References
‘The science behind creativity – Psychologists and neuroscientists are exploring where creativity comes from and how to increase your own’
American Psychological Association, by Kirsten Weir Last updated: January 30, 2024. Date created: April 1, 2022
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/04/cover-science-creativity
‘4 reasons craft is good for your mental health’ Craft Council, June 2020
https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/stories/4-reasons-craft-good-your-mental-health
The Creativity Found Podcast