Hand & Lock had an article this week listing 12 ways that embroidery can boost your mental health.
Some of the benefits listed include alleviating stress, reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and being mindful. I definitely feel many of those benefits when I stitch - depending on the project I'm working on. Once I have a pattern on the hoop, I've chosen the color scheme and I'm working with stitches that I'm comfortable with, I can just relax and enjoy the repetitive feel of the needle moving through the fabric.
On the other hand when I'm developing a project, the process can be challenging, stimulating and frustrating. The Hand & Lock article notes the benefits from the more difficult side of stitching as well: it keeps your brain healthy, it builds confidence and allows you to express yourself.
I think it's this duality of embroidery that I love. Some days it's the method I use to check out, quiet down and relax. Other days it's what I turn to in order to challenge myself to make some needlework concept in my mind a reality (with varying degrees of success). It's a hobby that fits every mood and makes you healthier on several levels while you're doing it. That's pretty amazing!
Comments