In a world that feels like it’s going 100mph, we make the case for hitting the brakes with a spot of crafty self-care
When it comes to wellness, the key lesson is respecting your elders – at least according to Gen Z. On social media app TikTok, the hashtag #GrandmaEra has garnered over 3.4 million views, as teens look to older generations for cues on embracing a calmer lifestyle. Clubs, parties and go-go-go schedules are out; slowing down, staying home and crafting mindfully are the new cheat code for wellbeing. From zen-inducing crafts to try, to expert tips on practising mindfulness, consider this your go-to feel-good guide; dedicated to calm, clarity and relaxation. Because, truly, what’s more enticing than a less fraught 2023?
Granny Squares
You can’t go wrong with a granny square project for a mindful crafting session. With relaxing, repetitive patterns to create what psychologists call ‘flow’, practising mindfulness while creating something beautiful has never been easier. And the only limit to what you can create with the humble granny square is your imagination!
Mood Blanket
Add a little bit to it every day or week, picking a colour of yarn or fabric that represents your mood at the time. Immerse yourself in a complex pattern or repeat your favourite stitch, make a baby blanket or a king-size throw – there’s no wrong way to do it; it will be brilliantly unique like you!
Feel-Good Crafts
TAKE SOME TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF WITH THESE CALMING ACTIVITIES
Knitalongs
Social crafting can be an amazing way to connect with others mindfully – how often have we found that it’s easy to fall into conversations when your hands are busy with a project?
Let’s Knit Together offers a whole host of knitalongs where hundreds of knitters simultaneously work together on the same project – it's one big community event! Visit letsknit.co.uk
Colouring
It’s no secret that colouring can bring a sense of serenity like no other, but you don’t have to limit yourself to just shading pictures. Brighten up your colouring habits with a postcard to send to someone or even begin every month by colouring in an illustration each time you turn the calendar.
Origami
There’s something so therapeutic about the process of folding paper and keeping your hands busy. And that’s all you need to master origami. The process of creating deliberate and gradual folds, combined with the smooth feel of the paper between your fingertips makes for an endlessly satisfying experience that keeps you engross
