Is cross stitch good for mental health?
We live in a busy world and it can be hard for us to relax and find a calming space for your minds. With the rise in anxiety and ADHD diagnosis, can we look to crafts to help us cope. Raising the question, is cross stitch good for mental health?
I first took up cross stitch when I was bed bound in my first pregnancy, I was frustrated, bored and on my own during the day. I wanted something to make me feel ‘productive’, and help me deal with the situation I found myself in. I picked up a magazine with a cross stitch kit and found a hobby that helped me cope then and continued to bring me so much joy over the next 18 years.
I personally think that cross stitch is a great help to my mental health, but I took the question to my Facebook group and asked. Is cross stitch good for metal health. These were just a few of the reasons why they believe it is.
Keeps your hands busy
It stops you from using your hands to do negative habits, like scrolling endlessly on your phone, snacking from boredom, smoking or even picking at your skin.
Find peace
Many people commented that they found the hobby relaxing, calming, helped ease their anxiety. Helped to centre themselves, be fully absorbed in an activity.
Creating something beautiful
Many people commented how they didn’t consider themselves artists, as they couldn’t paint or draw, but cross stitch allowed them to create something beautiful. Allowing themselves to be artistic.
Slowing down
The benefit of slowing down, should not be overlooked. We live in a fast paced world, with a push on everything being faster, quicker, instant. Watching something develop slowly, as you cross stitch. Concentrating on stitching, counting and watching the image form. Helps you to lose track of time. You breathing slows and your heart enters a steady rhythm. Reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and releasing dopamine as you feel a sense of pride and reward from your work.
Reward
Not only does it it make you feel good, you have the reward of learning a new skill and producing work which you can adorn your home with or gift to the people you love.
Is cross stitch good for mental health? I strongly believe it is and so do thousands of members of my group. You can join our supportive community at club craftcartwright.
