The Facts: Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK say they have determined that taking part in what they call creating arts and crafting activities result in increased life satisfaction, a greater sense that life is worthwhile and higher levels of happiness and perhaps surprisingly the positive effects of participating in creative activities were more apparent than the benefits from other well -known positive factors such as gender, health, and employment status. In other words, regardless of your life circumstances, picking up a paintbrush or a pair of knitting needles could give your mood a big boost.
Jason's Perspective:
I'm not painting, I'm also not going to knit, but I agree with this in terms of just creating whether it's painting, knitting, playing the drums or getting your hands dirty in the garden. Depression is a part of my life and creating music has been a way of healing it by giving me something to be a part of and look forward to. By setting rehearsal dates and gig dates, even if I was having a low day, because of the commitments I made to other people, I would be forced to move past those low points of my life and follow through. It forced me to be creative when all I wanted to do was curl up and hide. It made me interact with other people at times when I did not want to see a single person. It allowed me, like a fruit smoothie does for the body, to be healthy in the mind.
If you struggle like I did, get involved in the arts, but do it with other people. Get involved with group painting or crafting events, if there are such things. Sell your creations in a store booth or craft fair. Make it something you have to not only look forward to, but are committed too as well. It may just become something amazing and in the process could mend the sad parts of you like it has done for me.
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