DIY & Crafts
‘Grandma Hobbies’ Are Trending—And They Have Surprising Mental Health Benefits
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DIY & Crafts
‘Grandma Hobbies’ Are Trending—And They Have Surprising Mental Health Benefits
Crafters, rejoice! So-called “grandma hobbies” are not only cool as ever, they have no shortage of benefits for your brain and overall well-being.
In the throes of the anxiety-inducing, socialization-less pandemic, many of us turned to new homebound activities to keep our hands and minds busy. From embroidery to puzzling to the now-infamous sourdough era, old-fashioned hobbies made the leap from dull to oh-so-soothing.
Hobbies in general are known to improve happiness, reduce depression, and overall boost life satisfaction, but evidence suggests creative activities may provide extra benefits.
Dubbed as “grandma hobbies,” things like gardening and baking are scientifically proven to slow your breathing and lower blood pressure. Knitting, for example, invites a sense of calmness, according to a 2022 study from the University of Gothenburg. Researchers found that participants had clearer thoughts and felt a greater sense of life structure while crafting with their needles.
Part of this has to do with repetition. Whether you’re crocheting or quilting, performing gentle movements over and over evoke a meditative state. Crafting also creates soft goals to work towards that offer a validating sense of accomplishment when reached, boosting self-confidence and positive emotions.
For many, these activities can provide a much-needed sense of community. Joining a knitting or book club gives ample opportunity to connect and learn with others in a low-stake social environment. There’s no competition, just a mutual love for a relaxing craft.
Grandma hobbies to try
- Knitting and crocheting
- Gardening
- Baking
- Puzzles
- Embroidery
- Painting
- Reading
- Birdwatching
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