The Little-Known Health Benefits of Crafts

Between hectic work schedules, family demands, and seemingly endless to-do lists, it can be difficult for most women to find time for hobbies. But a growing body of research suggests that certain pastimes, such as knitting, scrapbooking, or beading, can help counter everyday feelings of stress and anxiety.

In the same way that yoga forces people to slow down and focus on the moment, crafting can help you relax your pace, take a break from daily stressors, and tap into different parts of your brain. In addition, studies have shown that meditative actions, such as crafts, can help reduce blood pressure. Plus, engaging the brain in new and innovative ways can help generate new brain cells, which, in turn, may help prevent mental decline.

Experts note that making handmade items — even those that are simply hand-decorated — gives people a sense of self-worth. For working adults, having a hobby can also help maintain a sense of confidence outside the realm of their job. And crafting offers other, more practical benefits: You can make items for yourself, for others, or for the purposes of selling. It's all up to you.

If you've always wanted to dabble in crafts but aren't sure where to start, begin by asking yourself these questions:

• Which craft am I most interested in? Which craft am I passionate about? Which craft did I do as a child, and would like to revisit as an adult?
• Where can I get more information about my craft?
• Is my craft affordable?
• Will I be able to fit my craft into my schedule?
• Is my craft challenging enough to keep me interested for a long period of time?
• Is there a place where I can take a class, do a test run, or just dabble in my craft without making a big investment?

Once you've chosen a craft you're interested in, one of the best sources of information is a local crafts store. For instance, many yarn shops offer knitting classes or private lessons in addition to needles and supplies. Large crafts retailers, such as A.C. Moore, Michaels, or Joann Fabric and Crafts, carry a range of products and may also offer classes.

For further inspiration, check out the growing number of magazines that offer crafts ideas, such as Martha Stewart Living, Paper Crafts, Threads, Readymade, and Sew News. You may also find that your local library, other crafters, and specialty websites and blogs are a great source of crafting inspiration and advice.