Episode 30: 🎨8 Top Crafts To Improve Your Mental Health 🧶

In this episode, we delve into the significance of hobbies, particularly arts and crafts, for nurses' mental well-being. 🎨🧶 Imagine, after a challenging shift, how can a creative hobby help you unwind and manage stress? 🤔 Discover the research-backed benefits, strategies to overcome obstacles, and why prioritizing self-care through hobbies is essential for nurses. So, why is it crucial for nurses to make room for hobbies in their demanding lives? 

Press play and explore the therapeutic potential of crafts! 🎧✨

Transcript

Intro

  To say it’s been a crazy few years would be an understatement. We live in an ever changing world, one constantly challenging people to their very core. It is because of this we aim to create assuredness in an uncertain world. 
  
  Welcome to the Project ReNew podcast, a show for nurses - and angels looking to help nurses - and anyone in search of motivation. Let’s bring you and your passion back to where you were when you first started out. Let’s reignite that fire together.
  
   This is the Project ReNew Podcast.

8 Top Crafts To Improve Your Mental Health 

Hello and welcome back to our podcast. I'm your host, and I'm so happy you've joined me today. Whether you're tuning in during your morning commute, on a lunch break, or winding down after a long day of work, I'm glad to be here with you. Today, we have a very important topic to discuss - the importance of hobbies and arts and crafts for mental well-being, especially for our nurses.

Before we dive into the topic, I wanted to acknowledge some of the fantastic feedback we've been receiving from you, our listeners. I truly appreciate your engagement and your thoughtful insights. So, keep them coming!

Picture this: You're a nurse who has spent the entire week in a high-pressure environment, shouldering an overwhelming workload. Each day has been filled with challenging patients who require complex care, and understaffed wards that demand you to stretch your capabilities to their limit. You've experienced emotionally charged situations, made critical decisions on the fly, and navigated an intricate maze of medical procedures. Your resilience is worn thin, and you can feel the stress accumulating, pulling at the strings of your emotional well-being.

As you step into your home, weary and drained, a well-meaning friend suggests you pick up a paintbrush, or perhaps a set of knitting needles, to help wind down and manage your stress levels. You might be tempted to dismiss the idea instantly. It might even seem a bit ludicrous. You're a nurse, after all - your schedule is packed to the brim with shifts, administrative tasks, ongoing education, not to mention your personal life and responsibilities. You might wonder, where in this hectic routine is there room for hobbies? How can you possibly carve out time for something as leisurely as painting or knitting?

Despite the initial skepticism, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that hobbies, particularly those in the realm of arts and crafts, play a pivotal role in stress management and emotional well-being. This is particularly true for individuals in high-stress occupations like nursing. Today, we'll peel back the layers of this intriguing concept, exploring the profound impact of arts and crafts hobbies on mental health and overall well-being, and how, despite the apparent obstacles, they can be realistically integrated into a nurse's life.

In the forthcoming discussion, we'll not only establish the importance of hobbies for stress relief but also investigate why they are often overlooked. We'll delve into the various challenges that nurses face in trying to adopt hobbies, from long working hours to compassion fatigue, and look at how these barriers can be overcome. We'll also look at the incredible benefits of engaging in arts and crafts, from the sense of accomplishment and creativity they foster to the therapeutic effects they have on our minds.

Through this exploration, we hope to shed light on an often-underestimated aspect of self-care and well-being, and provide some valuable insights into how nurses can navigate their demanding careers while also nurturing their own mental health. So, even if the idea of picking up that paintbrush or knitting needle might seem far-fetched at first, stick with us. You might discover that, far from being an unrealistic suggestion, it's a lifeline to a better balance between your professional demands and personal well-being.

It is well-documented that the demands of work, particularly in high-stress professions such as nursing, can take a significant toll on both mental and physical health. Work-related stress can manifest in a range of issues, from sleep disturbances and headaches to more serious conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Nurses, who are on the frontlines of healthcare, providing care to patients in their most vulnerable moments, are often exposed to high levels of stress and emotional burden. Therefore, it becomes even more crucial for them to have outlets to mitigate these stresses, and hobbies, particularly those related to arts and crafts, can serve as such outlets.

Studies have consistently shown the positive effects of engaging in leisure activities and hobbies. They serve as a much-needed break from the daily grind, a respite from the pressures and demands of work. This break can be a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing nurses to recharge their batteries, so to speak, and return to work with renewed energy and vigor.

Moreover, hobbies provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that can often be missing in the routine of work. Completing a knitting project, finishing a painting, mastering a new dance move, these achievements can boost self-esteem and promote a sense of personal growth. They serve as a reminder that the individual has abilities and talents beyond their professional role, which can enhance overall well-being.

Hobbies also offer an outlet for creativity, a chance to express oneself in a different medium. They can be a form of self-care, a way to take care of one's mental health. Engaging in a hobby is not just about the product, but also about the process - the act of creating, the act of immersing oneself in a task that brings joy and relaxation. This act can be therapeutic, can help nurses process their emotions and experiences in a non-verbal, creative way.

Moreover, hobbies can help nurses develop new skills, open new avenues of interest, and provide a sense of purpose beyond their work. They can serve as a source of personal growth and enrichment, adding an extra dimension to their lives.

However, despite these clear benefits, hobbies are often neglected, especially by nurses. There are several reasons why this might be the case. Long working hours, often extending to night shifts and weekends, can leave nurses with little time to engage in leisure activities. The irregularity of their schedules can make it difficult to commit to a hobby, to find regular, uninterrupted time for it.

Another significant factor is compassion fatigue. The emotional stress of dealing with sick and suffering patients day in and day out can leave nurses emotionally drained, with little energy left to engage in leisure activities. This compassion fatigue, coupled with the physical exhaustion from long hours, can make hobbies seem like an additional burden rather than a form of relaxation.

Financial constraints can also play a role. Some hobbies require financial investment - buying art supplies, paying for classes, purchasing equipment. These costs can be prohibitive for some nurses, making these hobbies inaccessible.

Family responsibilities can also make it difficult for nurses to find time for hobbies. After a long shift at work, they may need to take care of children, elderly family members, or household chores. These responsibilities can leave little time for personal leisure activities.

Lastly, lack of support can be a significant obstacle. Nurses might not have a support system that understands and values their need for hobbies. They might face criticism or lack of understanding, which can discourage them from pursuing leisure activities.

Despite these challenges, it's essential for nurses to carve out time for hobbies, for self-care. The stress-relieving benefits, the boost to self-esteem, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, all make it crucial for them to have this balance between work and leisure. The challenges might seem daunting, but with conscious effort, with prioritization, and with the right support, it is possible to incorporate hobbies into their lives. The first step is to recognize the importance of hobbies, to understand that they are not just frivolous pastimes, but essential components of a healthy, balanced life.

In our busy, fast-paced lives, the idea of adding one more thing to our already overflowing schedules can seem daunting. For our dedicated nurses, between long shifts and the emotional labor their work entails, finding time for hobbies, particularly arts and crafts, might appear close to impossible. However, the therapeutic potential and stress-relieving benefits these activities offer can significantly enhance well-being. So, how can we begin to incorporate hobbies, particularly arts and crafts, into our lives?

Firstly, the initial step is understanding and acknowledging the importance of self-care. In a profession where you're constantly looking after others, it's easy to overlook yourself. However, remember that you can't pour from an empty cup; taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Make a conscious decision to prioritize self-care, recognizing it as an integral part of your well-being, not just an add-on or an afterthought. Start with small, achievable goals. Dedicate a specific time each week to engage in a hobby that you enjoy. It could be an hour on a Sunday afternoon painting, a half-hour after dinner knitting, or even a 15-minute morning routine of meditative drawing. The duration does not matter as much as the consistency and the purposeful intention to carve out this time for yourself.

Secondly, approach your hobby with the mindset of it being a form of therapy rather than another task on your to-do list. The purpose of engaging in arts and crafts is not to produce a masterpiece every time, but to express yourself and process your feelings. It's a way to channel your emotions into something tangible, to vent out your stress and anxieties on the canvas, to embed your joys and dreams into the patterns of a knit. The act of creating can be a cathartic experience, a form of mindfulness that allows you to focus on the present moment and let go of stress and worries. So, when you sit down with your paintbrush or your knitting needles, let go of any expectations of perfection. Allow yourself to immerse in the process, to enjoy the rhythm of the strokes or the patterns, to relish the colors and textures. It's about the journey, not the destination.

Thirdly, consider joining a group or class related to your hobby. This can serve as a motivational boost to continue with your hobby, providing a structure and a schedule. But more than that, it can provide a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Participating in a group, sharing your work, and appreciating others' work can foster a sense of community. This social connection can serve as a support system, a place where you can share not just your creations but also your experiences and challenges. It can help create a balance between your professional life, where you are the caregiver, and your personal life, where you also take care of your needs and interests.

Finally, be open to experimentation. The world of arts and crafts is vast and diverse. Don't limit yourself to a particular craft because you think you're good at it or shy away from something because you believe you won't be good enough. You might surprise yourself. You might discover a new passion or talent you didn't know you had. Try pottery, try collage-making, try origami. Each art form has its unique charm and therapeutic potential. Each can offer a different path to stress relief, self-expression, and fulfillment.

Incorporating arts and crafts into your life is not just about having a hobby. It's about creating a space for yourself in your life, a space for self-care, self-expression, and self-discovery. It's about understanding that as a nurse, as a caregiver, you too need care and nurturing. It's about recognizing that you are more than your profession, that you are a person with talents, passions, and dreams, and you deserve to explore and enjoy them.

Now, I'd like to challenge all our listeners, especially our nurses, to take one small step towards incorporating a hobby into your life. Pick up that paintbrush, join that dance class, or start that knitting project you've been thinking about. You deserve to take care of yourself just as much as you take care of others.

And, as always, we'd love to hear your experiences. How have hobbies and arts and crafts helped you manage stress and improve your well-being? Share your stories with us on social media or email us. Your experiences can inspire and encourage others on their journey to improved mental health and overall well-being.

Until next time, remember to take care of yourself. You are more than just a nurse. You are a complete person with hobbies, interests, and a life outside of your role. And you deserve to live it fully and joyfully.

Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to connecting with you in our next episode. Goodbye for now, and take care.

Sources For Help and Advice

https://www.myamericannurse.com/art-a-healing-tool-for-nurses/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352013220301502

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352013220301502

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7783413/

https://nourishcare.co.uk/care-news/the-benefits-of-art-therapy-in-social-care/

Outro
  We really hope you enjoyed this episode of the Project ReNew Podcast. Stay connected with us through www.ProjectReNew.Co. You can also join this discussion on Twitter @ProjectReNewPod, and on Instagram at @ProjectReNewPodcast. If you would like to speak with us, please send us an email through our website. As always, thank you for pushing your mindset and your heart towards a better reality. This concludes the most thought-provoking part of your day. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay fully up to date. Until next time, be kind to yourself, and to
  each other.
 
 
 

 As a fellow nurse, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for each and every one of our listeners. 
  
  As nurses, we are all part of an essential and noble profession, and our dedication and hard work make a real difference in the lives of our patients. 

As Brené Brown says, ' Resilience is the ability to move through difficult experiences and to come out on the other side with wisdom and compassion.' 

Our podcast is dedicated to exploring resilience from trauma and the pandemic, providing practical advice and reviews of symptoms to help our listeners navigate these challenging times.

It's important to note that the information provided in our podcast is for educational and informational purposes only.

 The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 Always seek the advice of your physician, other qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

 As a colleague, I encourage you to continue to listen to our podcast, engage with the content, and use it to enhance your nursing practice and further your professional and personal growth."