Do you know someone - maybe you! - who isn't yet convinced that arts and crafts are life? Chris Richardson has put together a guest post for Moogly today on just that topic! Thanks, Chris!
When you hear the phrase “arts and crafts” do you immediately think of macaroni projects and glittery construction paper crowns? Arts and crafts are not just for children. They benefit people of all ages. From the simple stress relief of coloring a mandala, to the improvement of memory and writing skills, or the treatment of chronic pain; arts and crafts provide a myriad of benefits. According to the website of Cascade AE, you can consider anything that you focus on and give your effort into it can be called an art.
Following are 7 reasons why you should dedicate time and space to arts and crafts in your home.
Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
Most arts and crafts use both hands and involve a certain movement. This helps develop fine motor skills and bilateral coordination. It can have an increased impact on sports performance. If you're trying to give your child an athletic edge later in life, start them early with the glue and scissors.
Improves Visual Awareness
The more you do arts and crafts the more you will notice about the world around you. Colors and shapes begin to take on new meaning. Patterns become more apparent and the differences in colors become more enhanced. You’re learning to pay attention.
Improves Focus
Behavior changes in response to what you do. Sit and focus on crafts and you begin to sit still and focus on a variety of other activities. Are you having difficulty staying awake during the board meeting? Start doodling. Is your child getting in trouble at school for squirming in his seat too often? Create a space in your home for art. Discover what it is that grabs his attention and nurture it. Over time his focus will improve, as will yours.
Writing Skills
If one of your goals is to improve your writing skills, a boost in creativity will do just that. In turn, writing also boosts creativity. You can test this theory using the editing and proofreading services at Essay Geek. Gage your writing skills, or that of your child, by sending an essay in now, then waiting a month or two and submitting one later. It’s remarkable how one art form impacts another.
Self-Esteem
Creating something for yourself boosts feelings of pride and competence. It delivers the message that you are capable. There is a great sense of achievement that comes with finishing a project. Whether it’s a child’s macaroni art or a painting that took months, the finished project will boost the self-esteem of the creator.
Builds Stronger Relationships
Doing an art project together builds stronger relationships. It can be something as simple as carving pumpkins or handmaking thank you cards together. The shared experience of creating is bonding. You will create memories with those in your home that will be cherished for many years.
Increases Empathy
Creating connects us to others and the world around us. Arts and crafts give us a mean to learn more about other cultures and people. It opens new ideas and allows us to see events in a new light. A simple trip to the art museum has been proven to heighten empathy. Creating art does the same.
It’s Good For Your Health
According to The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature,“ Engagement with creative activities has the potential to contribute toward reducing stress and depression and can serve as a vehicle for alleviating the burden of chronic disease.” Art therapy is used in hospitals for psychological and physical healing. Art therapy is used with dementia patients to help improve memory. It has also been linked to stress release and relief to chronic pain.
Start using arts and crafts now to create a happy healthy home.You’ll create memories and improve your quality of life at the same time. Why wait?
Chris Richardson is a journalist, editor, and a blogger. He loves to write, learn new things, and meet new outgoing people. Chris is also fond of traveling, sports, and playing the guitar. Follow him on Facebook and Google+.
Thank you so much, Chris! Moogly will be back soon with new posts, and a whole new year of crochet fun in 2018!
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