Discovering the Benefits of DIY Projects in Achieving a New Beginning
In the midst of the pandemic, a phenomenon known as the "lockdown bounce back" has emerged, a delicate dance between having fun and being productive that lacks self-awareness. This dance, however, has not been without its consequences for many people's mental health.
A poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that nearly half of Americans believe the pandemic is harming their mental health. Similarly, another study in the UK found that around 80 percent of British people working from home feel lockdown has had a negative impact on their mental health. These findings are echoed in a recent survey showing an increase in anxiety levels, with almost 50 percent of people reporting high anxiety at the beginning of lockdown.
Amidst this turmoil, some have turned to crafting as a means of alleviating anxiety. The repetitive actions involved in crafting can induce a flow state, a mental state characterized by complete absorption in the task at hand. This flow state, in turn, can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Crafting also offers a safe opportunity to step out of usual patterns and gain confidence in not knowing or not being in control. Learning to sit with the initial discomfort of the newbie experience in crafting can help one learn more about what causes anxiety and how to work with it. Through creative pursuits, one can experience the initial instinct to stop an activity, become curious, and learn that they do not have to avoid uncomfortable feelings.
However, the pressure to be relentlessly productive, encouraged on social media, can make one sick and still buy into an exploitative system. Katrin, a partnership manager, has noticed digital presenteeism and unhealthy working conditions among her colleagues. Sadie, a marketing executive, feels pressure from colleagues to work crazy hours and participate in extracurricular activities. These pressures can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and contribute to the mental health crisis the US finds itself on the brink of.
Michelle Scott, a psychotherapist, suggests that some competition among colleagues may stem from a desperate need to create a sense of power. The author, in their own struggle with an origami project, specifically with the crane and lotus flower, felt frustrated and admitted defeat. It was then that they decided to focus on their daily routine to combat feelings of inadequacy.
In an effort to support mental health during these challenging times, the latest care box from a mental health charity contains a small stack of marbled paper for origami. Mindfully engaging with craft can deepen the process of shifting one's experience with new beginnings, benefiting long-term welfare. As we navigate the complexities of the pandemic, finding balance between productivity and self-care, and between control and acceptance, may prove to be a crucial factor in our overall well-being.
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