Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to go to the Johnson Museum and, as the event is titled, sculpt with clay. While the event coordinator, Annmarie, did show us some interesting pieces of pottery, the main activity was being able to create our own fruit- inspired sculptures. I used to craft quite a bit (although not generally with clay), and I had been looking forward to this event since GRF Magdala had mentioned it back in early March. I found the ambiance of everyone getting their hands dirty and encouraging and praising each other’s handiwork to be very relaxing, especially since that week and the previous week had been very stressful for me. It got me thinking about the benefits of crafting, whether it be knitting, sculpting, macrame, or something else entirely. After coming back, I went online and found articles stating that crafting may, among other things, protect the brain from aging, relieve stress and anxiety, and increase happiness, by putting the mind in a state similar to meditation and releasing dopamine. I’m not sure if these articles are overstating the benefits of crafts, especially since the studies are relatively new, but I certainly came out of the sculpting session much happier than I was going into it. If there are similar arts and crafts events in the future, I will be sure to sign up as soon as possible.
Rose Scholars Spring 2018
Endless possibilities
I learned to knit recently specifically because I had read articles that said knitting could reduce stress, and I have definitely found it to be the case. I’m not very good yet, but I still feel a sense of accomplishment whenever I finish a piece. It’s a sense of accomplishment that is sometimes lacking in my other college work, which never really feels like it’s done. So I agree that crafting can be a stress relieving activity. It’s also a great way to meet new people – and socializing is another way to relieve stress.