Sewing for Self-Care

Now more than ever it is essential that we are investing in our health and wellbeing. So, it is a happy accident that one of the best ways to do this is by dedicating our time to a hobby we already love – sewing of course! Whether you are a new member of this fabric-filled community or have years of experience under your belt, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved. One way being mindfulness: ‘a mental state achieved by concentrating on the present moment, while calmly accepting your feelings and thoughts’.

Combining this practice with making is a brilliant way for you to reap the wellbeing benefits of sewing, whilst also enjoying the added bonus of producing a handmade piece. Read on to discover more about the importance of crafting every day, plus there’s lots of inspirational ideas for anyone hoping to take their self-care stitching to the next level.

Just For You

It may seem like an odd question, but when was the last time you did something just for yourself? If your days are filled with running a busy household, working from home, and trying to make sense of the new normal, it’s possible that your answer comes as a bit of a shock. However, it’s never been more important to take some time out to restore your energy: start small and schedule in one hour of uninterrupted sewing in your week to focus on that project you’ve been meaning to finish.

Alone Not Lonely

What does sewing for self care look like to you? For many of us, it’s being a part of a wider creative community. However, if your busy schedule means that you are missing out on the chatter and buzz of your local stitch circle, or you’re feeling out of the loop with what’s happening in the world of crafts, why not download a makers’ podcast to fill the gap?

Brain Training

Research has shown that your pre-frontal cortex can grow in size after practising mindfulness. The benefits? It is said to positively aid how you deal with your emotions, and also your ability to plan and solve problems. In addition, the practice has been shown to potentially shrink the grey matter in your brain’s amygdala – an area thought to be connected to your ‘fight or flight’ anxiety response. So, there is a chance that mindful crafting could be playing a vital role in reducing your stress levels.

Making a Difference

Mindful moments are generally inward facing, but the benefits can also extend out to your family, friends and wider community. You could even maximise this by stitching for a worthy cause when you’re mindful making. It will still provide you with an opportunity to focus on a creative activity, shutting out distractions and taking time for yourself, but you will also enjoy the added benefit of helping others. From joining Patrick Grant’s #BigCommunitySew campaign to making quilts for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, there are so many ways for you to introduce a deeper meaning to your favourite pastime, and get those positive vibes flowing.

Personal Pride

One of the most popular ways to practise mindfulness in the crafting world is to focus on just one activity at a time. This may sound extremely simple, but in a world dominated by constant news updates and social media, it can often prove quite difficult to completely shut out distractions. Why not turn your phone off and simply focus on each rhythmic weave of the needle, or the gentle purr of the sewing machine? You’ll reap the benefits of uninterrupted sewing; suddenly tasks that one seemed daunting become effortless when you break it down and focus on each little step.