When living with a chronic illness, trying new things can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a new hobby. In our "Accessible Hobbies" series, we will explore a variety of hobbies that are suitable for people living with long-term health conditions.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of arts and crafts and share some tips and tricks to make them as accessible as possible.
Why are hobbies important?
Research shows that people who regularly take part in hobbies feel less stressed and show fewer signs of depression. This is important for everyone, especially those living with a long-term illness.
No matter your passions, interests, or physical ability, there is a hobby for everyone. The most important thing is that it's fun and meaningful to you.
Benefits of Arts and Crafts
Taking part in arts and crafts can help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Activities like baking, knitting, and gardening are simple ways of practicing self-care and can improve well-being in the long run.
Engaging in arts and crafts can also enhance your focus and concentration. As you immerse yourself in a project, your mind can shift away from everyday worries, helping you to be more present in the moment. Other mental benefits include improved emotional processing and communication skills.
Having a creative hobby is a great way to connect with others. Whether you’re painting with friends or making something for a loved one, arts and crafts are an affordable way to spend quality time with those around you.
Another benefit of creative hobbies is the sense of achievement when a piece is finished. A completed project can serve as a great reminder of your ability to learn and grow, even when you are not feeling your best or when you are stuck at home. This sense of achievement can be a wonderful way to boost self-confidence.
List of accessible arts and crafts
There's a wide variety of arts and crafts to try; some possible options include:
Painting: Use acrylics, watercolors, or oils to create artworks on canvas or paper.
Drawing: Try sketching with pencils, charcoal, or pastels.
Collage Making: Cut and assemble images from magazines, newspapers, or personal photographs.
Origami: Fold paper into decorative shapes and figures.
Knitting or Crocheting: Create garments, accessories, or home decor with yarn.
Scrapbooking: Compile memories, photos, and memorabilia into creatively designed albums.
DIY Jewellery: Use beads, wire, and other materials to craft unique jewellery pieces.
Card Making: Design and create personalised greeting cards for various occasions.
Sewing: Make clothing, bags, or home textiles using fabric and a sewing machine or hand-sewing techniques.
Embroidery or Cross-Stitch: Stitch designs onto fabric to create art or embellishments.
Pottery or Clay Sculpting: Use air-dry clay or polymer clay to create sculptures or functional items.
Woodworking: Build small items like birdhouses, shelves, or decorative pieces.
Candle Making: Create custom candles using wax, wicks, and scents.
Soap Making: Use melt-and-pour bases or cold process methods to make handmade soap.
Mosaic Art: Use tiles, glass, or paper to create decorative patterns or images.
Nature Crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, or stones and make art or decor pieces.
Baking Art: Decorate cookies or cakes creatively using icing or fondant.
Printmaking: Experiment with stamps or homemade printing techniques for unique designs.
Accessibility
Most arts and crafts can be done from the comfort of your home, or even from bed, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
Arts and crafts are also very flexible, allowing you to take part at your own pace. This makes it a perfect option for people living with conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as you can start and stop whenever it feels right for you.
Ways to adapt crafting activities to make them more accessible:
Use a supportive chair with good back support or work at a table that is at the right height for you.
Ensure everything you need is within easy reach to avoid straining.
If you're crafting in bed, consider using a lap desk or tray to create a stable and comfortable workspace.
Instead of trying to complete a project in one sitting, break it down into manageable steps; you could do this by setting a timer.
Consider collaborating with friends and family. This can provide support and shared energy. You can take part in tasks according to everyone's strengths and limits.
Getting Started
Before getting started, there are a few things to consider:
Cost of Entry: One major benefit of arts and crafts is the low cost of entry. You can expect to spend between £10 and £50 to get started, depending on your chosen medium. Shopping for sales or secondhand items can help you save even more.
Tutorials: With an almost unlimited number of online tutorials, there will never be a shortage of inspiration and opportunities to learn. You can also find lots of art and craft books either online or at a local library.
Prep: Once you know what you want to create, the final step is preparation. After finding some inspiration, you can gather your art supplies from local shops or order them online, so you don’t have to leave the house.
Final note
I hope after checking out this blog, readers will feel inspired to pick up a new creative hobby or rekindle an old one from the past. It's important to remember that even though you are living with limitations, they create a unique space to find joy in the small things. Those limitations might just help you stumble upon a new passion you never would have discovered otherwise.
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