![]() Do your New Year resolutions involve 'me time' or being more creative? Maybe making more time for relaxation or mindfulness? Creative and hobby classes like painting can significantly contribute to an individual's overall well-being! Did you know that taking part in creative hands-on activities like drawing, painting or knitting can contribute to better sleep, mindfulness, and social connections! Engaging in activities like painting often leads to improved sleep patterns, as it helps in reducing stress and providing a calming effect before bedtime. The focus required in drawing, painting, doodling or journalling fosters mindfulness, allowing individuals to be present and fully absorbed in the moment, which can alleviate anxiety and enhance mental clarity. Choosing a creative hobby like drawing or journalling in 2025 could turn out to your best choice of the year!
![]() National Craft month is here! March 2023 has been designated as the month to celebrate the benefits of crafting! It's good for us in so many ways and lots of research highlights the benefits.... - Crafting helps us feel better! - Being creative can help us manage mood and boost wellbeing! - Creative projects boost confidence and help us connect with others! Creativity has no age limits... we are all creative... and can become more creative as we age! Here is some evidence on the benefits of arts and crafts... Results from over 3000 studies identified a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan. (Source: WHO Health Evidence Network Report).
![]() Let’s Craft NI is delighted to launch a new mindfulness course for 2021 – paper mosaics! Paper mosaics crafting is trending for adults, particularly as a way to encourage creativity during lockdown. It’s great for all ages and abilities, and requires only a few items to get started, such as PVA glue and small pieces of paper. The mosaic affect can be created using a variety of textured and smooth papers, as well as through recycling, for example, using magazines, and other papers from around the house. How does paper mosaics encourage mindfulness? Mindfulness is a pretty wonderful thing. It can reduce stress and anxiety, and generally help us to maintain our mental wellness. Research from the British Journal of Occupational Therapy suggests doing crafting activities on a regular basis can improve mood and increase feelings of relaxation.
Blogger and horticulturalist Kelli Johnston on being creative in her County Antrim garden
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