With the days getting shorter and the weather colder and, let’s face it, a lot more miserable, it can all feel a little bit gloomy at this time of year.
For many, the winter time sees our mood affected and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression exacerbated. Seasonal Affective Disorder is one condition that often arises at this time of year, so it’s important that we have the right mental health care, whether that be taking the time to enjoy the things we love, seeking counselling or speaking out to our friends, loved ones and support networks.
We all have different coping mechanisms and ways to relax and bring calm to our life. One thing that has been proven to really help improve mental health and encouraging mindfulness and relaxation is crafting.
There are so many things within crafting that can potentially aid mental health this winter. So, if you’re feeling a little low, here are a few ideas to improve your mental health across the season…
Knitting and Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting have long been popular at this time of year. After all, we all remember getting a jumper for Christmas knitted by our grandparents. But there’s a real therapeutic aspect to the activity, with the repetitive motions proving meditative. It can help draw your mind away from any worries you have.
What’s more, it’s the ideal time of year to work on cosy scarves, blankets and other festive decorations, with you only really needing simple patterns to create the likes of scarves, ideal for beginners. As you get more experienced, you can work on more intricate patterns. Either way, you can get a real sense of achievement from the finished products.
Candle-Making
Is there anything more cosy at this time of year than snuggling on the sofa with some candles lit. It gives you that warm, ambient light that can really help you relax of an evening.
But rather than going out and buying candles, why not consider making your own?
It can be a creative and relaxing way to add comfort to your home, while you can also choose fragrances that you know uplift your mood, give you energy, or make you feel relaxed. The likes of lavender or citrus are great for this, while you can also add natural elements such as dried flowers to enhance the visual appeal.
It’s another craft that can provide a real sense of accomplishment, while also aid in improving your mental health with the end result too. Alternatively, they make great Christmas presents!
Seasonal Watercolour Painting
For those who enjoy visual arts, watercolour painting offers a serene way to engage with creativity. Painting winter landscapes, snowflakes, or festive motifs can help you appreciate the beauty of the season while expressing your emotions through art.
Watercolours are particularly forgiving for beginners, allowing you to blend and experiment with colours freely. The act of painting encourages focus and helps to quiet a busy mind. Moreover, sharing your artwork with loved ones or using it as holiday card designs adds a personal touch to the festive season.
DIY Winter Wreaths
Crafting a winter wreath combines creativity with the therapeutic benefits of working with natural materials. Gathering pinecones, evergreen branches, dried flowers, and ribbons to assemble into a wreath connects you to the outdoors, even during the colder months.
This hands-on activity promotes mindfulness, as you carefully arrange each element to create a balanced design. Displaying your finished wreath on your door or table is not only rewarding but also adds a welcoming touch to your home. You can personalise your wreaths with twinkling fairy lights or small ornaments for extra charm.
Journaling and Scrapbooking
Journaling and scrapbooking are excellent ways to combine creativity with self-reflection. Winter provides an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the year, and creating a scrapbook allows you to preserve cherished memories while engaging in a calming activity.
Decorate your pages with photos, ticket stubs, pressed flowers, or drawings. Incorporate handwritten notes, gratitude lists, or inspiring quotes to make it deeply personal. The process of assembling a scrapbook encourages positive thinking and helps you focus on the moments that brought joy and meaning to your life.
