The Magic of Creativity: How Crafting Boosts Your Mood & Mind

This image was created with the assistance of DALL.E.3 — “An image of soap and candle making” image generated by Open AI’s DALL.E.3, March 18, 2025

These images were created with the assistance of DALL.E.3 on March 18, — “Image of soap and soap making”, generated by Open AI’s DALL.E.3 on March 18, 2025

Have you ever noticed how time flies when you’re lost in a creative project? Whether making soap, pouring candles, painting, or crafting, these hands-on activities do more than pass the time. They actively boost your mental health, making creativity one of the most enjoyable forms of self-care. Here’s why you should pick up a project and start creating today!

Instantly Reduce Stress

Feeling overwhelmed? Instead of doom-scrolling or overthinking, grab some supplies and start creating! Research by Kaimal et al. (2016) found that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Even better? You don’t have to be a professional artist to reap the benefits—just the act of creating helps your body relax.

Enter a Mindfulness Zone

When you’re deep in a creative project, your mind naturally shifts away from stress and into the present moment. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called this state “flow,” where time seems to stand still, and you feel completely engaged. This flow state reduces anxiety and leaves you feeling refreshed, focused, and mentally clear.

Boost Your Mood and Emotional Well-Being

Creativity is a natural mood booster! Studies by Fancourt & Steptoe (2020) found that people who regularly engage in creative activities report higher happiness levels and lower rates of depression than those who don’t. Plus, expressing yourself through art or crafting can help you process emotions without needing to say a word.

Build Confidence Through Accomplishment

There’s something incredibly satisfying about finishing a creative project. That moment when you step back and say, “I made that!” boosts confidence and strengthens your belief in your abilities. A study in the American Journal of Public Health (2010) found that creative tasks increase self-efficacy, helping people feel more capable of tackling challenges in other areas of life too.

Connect with Others and Build a Community

Creativity isn’t just a solo activity—it’s a fantastic way to bond with others! Whether you’re joining a workshop, crafting with friends, or sharing your work in an online group, creative activities create meaningful social connections. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (2017), participating in group arts and crafts significantly reduces loneliness and strengthens social bonds.

Keep Your Brain Sharp and Engaged

Want to boost brainpower? Creative activities don’t just engage your hands—they also stimulate your mind. A study by Bolwerk et al. (2014) found that people who regularly engage in creative tasks enhance brain function and slow cognitive decline. So, if you’re looking for a fun way to keep your mind sharp, pick up a brush, a candle mold, or some clay and start creating!

Final Takeaway: Make Creativity a Daily Habit!

Crafting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a science-backed way to reduce stress, boost happiness, and improve brain function. So why not make it part of your daily self-care routine? Whether painting, making candles, or creating handmade gifts, you’re doing more than just crafting—you are taking care of your mind, body, and soul.

Ready to Get Started?

The University of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County will host a soap-making class that integrates mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and discussions on self-care! Learn the art of soap making to reduce anxiety, increase mindfulness, and promote relaxation on April 7, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. For more information and registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1269690421229?aff=oddtdtcreator

Images of soap and soap making created with the assistance of DALL.E.3. — “Images of soap and soap making” images generated by Open AI’s DALL.E.3 on March 18, 2025

Resources

Improve Your Emotional Well-Being – https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/improve-your-emotional-well-being/index.html

A Practical Guide to Healthy Living – FCS3359/FY1498: A Practical Guide to Healthy Living

References

Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How art changes your brain: Differential effects of visual art production and cognitive art evaluation on functional brain connectivity. PLoS One, 9(7), e101035. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101035

Fancourt, D., & Steptoe, A. (2020). The art of life and death: 14-year follow-up analyses of associations between arts engagement and mortality in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The BMJ, 367, l6377. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6377

Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants’ responses following art making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832

National Endowment for the Arts. (2017). The arts and social cohesion: Evidence from 50 years of cultural participation surveys. Washington, DC: NEA.

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

“Images of candle making and soap making” created with the assistance of DALL.E.3. Images in this blog were created by OpenAI’s DALL.E.3 on March 18, 2025.