COVID-19 struck the world as 2019 came to a close. The pandemic put a sudden and unexpected halt to people’s regular everyday activities such as work and school in 2020. With everyone stuck in their homes for quarantine, most people found themselves at a standstill because of the surprising abundance of free time they now have at home. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, some have turned to arts and crafts to keep them busy during such troubled times.
Anyone can do arts and crafts, no matter how young or old and how good or bad you are at it. A study shows how creating art can increase the level of dopamine in your body. Most people try crafting to calm their anxieties, keep them preoccupied, or find a sense of entertainment. Sometimes, a fun activity can become a distraction that can help you push through the most challenging moments in life.
Mental health benefits from paper craft activities
Arts and crafts have a significant role in mental health. These activities help people struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, pain, and even grief. Crafting has been an effective, affordable, and enjoyable prescription for patients ever since one could remember. It is still doing its job today, from anxiety to more major conditions like dementia, especially Alzheimer’s. Study shows that knitting can be a great cognitive exercise that can lower the chances of Alzheimer’s by 30% to 50%. Crafting comes with numerous benefits that can result in a more satisfying and joyful life. Life without creativity can be tedious and stressful. Therefore, engaging with the arts is important and can provide you with a sense of balance and peace.
Stress is one of the top health problems that people experience. It can lead to several health issues, such as migraines, high blood pressure, fatigue, or even heart failure. Interacting and engaging with art can reduce your anxieties and stress as well as boost your mental welfare. Through the active stimulation of your creativity, you can easily avoid stress and tension. Since the late 19th century, craft courses have been an excellent method for patients undergoing occupational therapy. Today, professionals are still prescribing arts and crafts as activities to help with anxiety and emotional tension.
Arts and crafts can also be a great way to explore and discover the inner workings of your whole being. It helps you realize the feelings and emotions that usually aren’t on your mind. Along with this, the sense of self-accomplishment after completing a project can positively impact your confidence and self-esteem. As a result, your dopamine and happiness levels can increase as you enjoy the process of completing these activities.
Moreover, arts and crafts can be a medium to express and release all of your emotions and feelings that you cannot convey through your own words. You can release complicated and intense emotions healthily and calmly. In turn, releasing these pent-up fears, worries, and emotions can surely lead you to end up with a thoroughly enhanced mood.
The different paper craft activities you can do
Paper craft activities are the easiest, most versatile, and most accessible arts and crafts that you can do at home during the quarantine. There are a variety of paper types you can choose from, like recycled paper, tissue paper, card stock, origami paper, and so much more. You can create many different projects with the use of paper alone. Here are some activities that can keep you busy during the quarantine.
The most common and known paper craft activity would be Origami. This art form originated in Japan. It is the act of folding origami paper, or “Kami” in Japanese, into various objects. In tradition, Origami is folding a piece of paper without the use of other materials like tapes, scissors, or glue.
Next on the list is card making. Greeting cards for birthdays, weddings, and holidays are more personal and valuable when handmade. You will only need a few materials like card or normal paper, scissors, a ruler, colored pens and pencils, and glue. Sending or giving handmade cards to loved ones makes it more special and intimate since you can clearly show efforts and feelings.
Lastly, scrapbooking is another paper craft activity that can be more time-consuming but still enjoyable. It is a great way of documenting precious memories by creating photo collages and memorabilia in book pages. You can add more elements to this activity, like ribbons, beads, stickers, and more. This kind of activity can surely bring out your creative juices during the quarantine.
Overall, paper crafts and crafting, in general, are great ways to ease stress, reduce anxiety, and entertain yourself. This is especially true when you’re stuck at home in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. If you are struggling to cope during the quarantine, consider the benefits and enjoyment that paper crafts bring.
