Sewing
Sewing not only is a great coping strategy for some people suffering from mental health issues, it is a great way of preventing our mental health from getting out of balance in the first place. Most of the time we might not think about it consciously, but we certainly feel the effects of it.
Ever asked yourself why you are so addicted to and passionate about your hobby? Why you feel so much better after squeezing in some sewing during a busy day.
Below are some reasons why sewing makes us feel better and why it might be a great hobby to try if you are struggling to keep a balanced mind.
Benefits of Sewing
Allow yourself some selfish me time.
Do you feel guilty when you are spending your free time with sewing for yourself?
You should not be. Sewing is a great way to not only spend some time with yourself, but also to do something for yourself.
Every one of us needs some pampering every now and then. Especially if you work in a helping profession or spend your day caring for your family or others. Taking time for yourself is important. We all need to focus on ourselves every once in a while, to prevent ourselves from burning out. Did you know that one of the main causes for burnout is measuring your self – worth by the things you do for others and the appreciation you get (or might not get). If your sense of self and self-worth is solely dependent on making others happy, your self-esteem is a very fragile thing.
In allowing yourself to be immersed in something you simply do for your own pleasure, you can spend some quality time with yourself, simply because you are worth it. Sewing is a wonderful hobby and enjoyable pastime, but did you know that there are actually many health benefits to sewing?
Therapeutic benefits of sewing
Sewing is a relaxing alternative to watching TV and scrolling on our computers.
Screen time leads to a sensory overload – while watching your favourite TV show may seem relaxing. Such an activity is actually tiring and leads to feelings of unrest and unhappiness.
However, because sewing is a purposeful completion-based activity, you actually feel relaxed, focused and accomplished while sewing.
Sewing is a great social activity with which to meet people and form sewing groups, get advice and build relationships with others who share similar interests.
Focusing on one activity helps relieve stress and focus your thoughts after a long day. By focusing on sewing, you become mindful and concentrating on one activity at a time which helps you feel relaxed.
Mental health benefits of sewing.
Did you know that sewing can help decrease levels of depression? When you do an activity that you enjoy (like sewing) your brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which is a natural antidepressant. By sewing your brain releases dopamine which makes you feel happy and decreases depression.
Just think about how great it feels when you finally finish sewing a shirt or skirt that you have been working on for a long time. Working through a sewing pattern gives you a sense of accomplishment. This feeling of accomplishment improves your levels of self-esteem and confidence.
The high confidence levels you get from sewing help you overcome hurdles in other parts of your life, such as stress at work or a big project you are working on.
So, keep on sewing for a boost of confidence.