You know that question we were asked as kids “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer was always: I want to be an artist. But that doesn’t mean I consider myself an artist today – far from it! What I mean is that I have always loved being creative and crafting things. Creating has always been a part of me and I use crafting for relaxation.
For me, Crafting as Creative Wellness is about expressing oneself freely, creating without the pressure of perfection, and simply enjoying the process. It’s a way to unwind, find calm, and take a break from screens and performance-driven expectations. Letting my hands work while my thoughts can rest helps me create balance in life. 🎨
Finding My Way Back to the Joy of Creative Crafting
As a child, I always carried a sketchbook or a coloring book and colored pencils with me – whether we were on road trips across the country or visiting my grandparents. I would often draw in front of the TV with a movie playing in the background, completely losing myself in my own world. Being an only child with few friends, creating became a way for me to entertain and express myself.
But over time, I stopped. External opinions about what I was drawing and why took away the joy. Society’s constant demands for achievement and productivity made me lose touch with what had once been my sanctuary. Instead, anxiety and burnout took its place. Now, I want to find my way back – to the pressure-free act of creating, to the calming feeling of letting my hands shape something new, and to the inner joy that comes from creating just for myself.
The Many Forms of Creativity
Right now, coloring is my favorite way to relax and shut out the world. I crochet and embroider because there’s something cozy and meditative about watching something take shape, stitch by stitch. Polymer clay allows me to create small figurines and jewelry, where the process itself – feeling the clay in my hands and shaping something unique – is both satisfying and empowering. Seeing something come to life before me is a reminder that I can create, that I can grow, and that it’s okay not to be perfect from the start. Practice makes progress, but most importantly, it’s about daring to begin.
Inspiration – No Pressure
I want to inspire others to reconnect with their own creativity. Maybe you were a child who loved drawing, like I did, but stopped somewhere along the way. Maybe you’ve never tried crafting but feel curious. I’m not here to tell anyone they must try every creative hobby I talk about, but I want to highlight them as possibilities.
Just like gaming is sometimes seen as childish, crafting can be dismissed by some as “old-fashioned” – a stereotype of someone sitting in a rocking chair knitting in their later years. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Creativity is for everyone, regardless of age or gender, and it can be an incredibly rewarding part of one’s well-being. It’s not about being skilled – we all start somewhere, and the important thing is to have the courage to explore.
Crafting as a Part of Joyful Balance with Creative Wellness
If, like me, you grew up with arts and crafts as a natural part of your childhood – cutting and gluing, painting and drawing – you know the joy it can bring. But even if you don’t have that background, I hope you can see the possibility of creating for your own well-being. Handicrafts and creativity can bring balance to everyday life, whether as a quiet moment for yourself in a cozy corner with candlelight or as a social activity where people gather to create together.🎨
What does creativity mean to you?
Do you have a creative hobby you love? Or something you’d like to try but haven’t started yet? I’d love to hear about your relationship with creativity – please feel free to share your thoughts! 🌸
🎨 Next, we’re shifting from creative hands to a peaceful mind – let me introduce you to Mindful Moments as Joyful Wellness in the next post! 🌿 And, if you missed my last blog post on Gaming for Relaxation, click here to catch up! 🎮