In the business of inspiring people to make their own products, we would like to share with you the benefits of learning to craft, working with your hands to make things and why it’s important to engage in hands-on activities in children and also in adults.
In the many years we have been working on Craftiviti, we have noticed a very interesting shift. The children that come to us do a lot better working with their hands than their adult parents. This is because those children often had parents who encouraged their kids to DIY, experiment and play, something that the parents did not have the opportunity to do when they themselves were young.
Adults of this generation are more academically savvy but never had a childhood where they were encourages to make things on their own. This is something the 80’s and 90’s children were less exposed to given the academically competitive era. How many of us have heard this phrase “Art does not earn” or “There are only starting artists”. Being creative was assumed for those was not able to perform academically.
This is a sad story but it’s never too late…
DIY offers numerous benefits that contribute to personal and cognitive development both in children and in adults. One is never too old to learn something new.
It is no coincidence that several research studies have highlighted the importance of working with hands and its positive impact on various aspects of human well-being. Here are some key reasons why learning to make something with your own hands is important, supported by research:
Left and Right Brain Development:
Research: Studies have shown that hands-on activities engage both hemispheres of the brain, promoting holistic cognitive development. A study published in the journal "Mind, Brain, and Education" (2013) found that hands-on activities stimulate neural pathways that connect both sides of the brain, fostering a more integrated cognitive process.
Starting them young means kids can comprehend instructions better and follow through with minimal guidance. Comprehension and understanding of the situation and what needs to be done, following recipes and formulas with step by step accuracy is a skill worth training.
Hand-Eye Coordination:
Research: The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of activities that enhance hand-eye coordination. Research suggests that activities requiring precise hand movements, such as crafting, contribute to the development of fine motor skills and coordination (Boruff & Stern, 2003).
Even a simple activity like making DIY Slime can be a challenge for some with poor hand-eye coordination. You’ll need to juggle between a few tasks at the same time, while knowing what to do next and constant stirring. Making soaps is another such activity where you’ll need to be accurate in mixing, adding liquid ingredients and working with hot liquid.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction:
Research: Engaging in craft activities has been associated with mindfulness and stress reduction. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology (2016) found that individuals who participated in creative activities reported increased positive emotions and decreased negative emotions.
This would apply more to adults where the making of DIY products can reduce stress tremendously, instil a sense of calmness and mindfulness to the task in hand. Add to that the aromatherapeutic calmness of working with fragrances and oils does make one instantly relax.
Skills Development:
Research: The development of skills through crafting has been widely documented. A longitudinal study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2010) revealed that participation in hands-on activities during adolescence is linked to the development of problem-solving skills and perseverance.
Soft skills are the way to work with the AI future. When we are able to develop skills that make us self-sustainable, we are more in control of our future and waltz through it with a sense of confidence and accomplishment. Skills such as cooking, sewing, making soaps and candles can generate income and create microeconomies that support the larger economy.
Enhanced Creativity:
Research: Crafting encourages creative thinking. A study published in the Creativity Research Journal (2015) found that engaging in creative activities, such as crafting, can enhance divergent thinking, a key component of creativity.
AI will take over most of our jobs today but nothing can be greater than a creative mind. What AI does in effectiveness and analysis, it lacks in passion and creating beauty. We, as humans, need to harness and harvest our creative streak. This starts by learning something new, attaining a new hobby or skill, getting out of the comfort zone and trying something new. It’s a bold new world out there.
Improved Concentration and Focus:
Research: Participating in hands-on activities can improve concentration and focus. A study in the journal "Psychological Science" (2009) demonstrated that engaging in a hobby can lead to increased performance and focus in other areas of life.
Much like driving a car, when you are engaged in the act of crafting and making, you develop intense focus and flow in the moment. There is no time to think about anything else or be distracted when you are in the midst of decorating, crafting, blending and pouring and sometime all of this at the same time to a tight timeline. After each making session, you’ll even become a better driver.
Sense of Accomplishment:
Research: The Journal of Occupational Science (2008) reported that engaging in DIY activities provides individuals with a sense of accomplishment, contributing to positive self-esteem and well-being.
Ever wondered why the term “Handmade is Best” is so popular? Because making your own products and gifts is fulfilling and self-satisfying. Crafting and working with your hands has been known to help alleviate depression and uplift moods. Yes makers are completely self absorbed, they are doing it for their own wellbeing but the rest of us do enjoy the fruits of that labour! There is nothing better than to receive a gift that was handmade with love, care and well chosen ingredients.
Cognitive Aging:
Research: Crafting may have cognitive benefits as individuals age. A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health (2011) found that participation in DIY and craft activities was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.
The more we engage our brain to challenge and work with the rest of our senses such as coordinating movements, blending scents and colors, shaping with our hands; the more cognitively active we become.
Social Connection:
Research: Craft activities often involve social interactions. Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology (2017) suggests that engaging in communal creative activities fosters a sense of community and social connection.
This is why workshops and group DIY activities are so popular, because they are so powerful. There is a need for us to connect as humans that we have neglected due to technology. Tribes used to sit in circles to weave or carve, creating harmony and conversations. What better way to connect than learning something new together. Lately many corporate teambuilding acknowledge the benefit of this to the entire group’s dynamic.
In our world of screens and technology, taking the time to craft is more important than ever. It's a fantastic way to balance out all that digital stuff and build skills that contribute to a happy and healthy life. So, grab some materials and start creating!
