Through manual art, our brain actively engages in cognitive functions allowing the reorganization of thoughts and stress reduction. 

Making handicrafts helps to improve creativity, concentration and relaxation, leaving aside the worries of everyday life. 

In addition to its benefits, art runs through all human beings. You don’t have to be very skilled to make art. Anyone can be encouraged to draw, weave, paint, write or mold a sculpture. 

Below you can see ten ideas for crafts to relax. Choose the one you like the most and become an artist. 

1- Candles 

Not only the process of making candles will help you de-stress, but having them in your environment will be enough. The tranquility imparted by the flame and the aromas achieve an atmosphere of serenity and calm that your physical and mental health will be grateful for. 

More and more people are joining the world of handicrafts with candles for ease and relaxation. 

To make them, you need a few materials:

• Wax
• Wick 
• Dyes
• Essences
• Containers 

You can pour the melted wax into a jar or containers you already have to recycle. Then, add the essence you like the most. When it has dried, paint your candles by hand so they will have your style and are unique. There are many alternatives of designs, colors, scents, sizes and details. You will have a lot of fun creating them.

2- Fabric

There are different types of fabrics and materials. One of the most popular is crochet knitting. In this case, the materials needed are: 

• Yarn 
• Needle
• Scissors 
• Measuring tape

With this technique, you can create from a coaster to a blanket to give life back to an old sofa. The options are many, but it would be wise to start with something simple to learn and not get discouraged along the way.

In addition to the relaxation it can generate, the practice of knitting protects the brain from damage typical of aging.

3- Embroidery

This art is based on applying a piece of fabric, a decoration with thread and needle. It is a very useful technique to personalize objects aesthetically. For example, embroidering on a towel the name of the person it belongs to.

The basics you need for embroidery are: 

• Thread 
• Needle
• Embroidery hoop
• Fabric 
• Scissors

You can help yourself with tutorials to learn the easiest stitches, and when you master them, you can do more complex embroidery.

4- Mandalas

Mandalas have become very popular thanks to the benefits of painting and coloring them. Concentration, stress reduction, activation of both hemispheres and development of creativity are some of its fruits.

Drawing like a child is a very good practice that is no longer done as the years go by. But if you prefer to paint, there are several books on mandalas or internet pages where you can download them and start your art playing with colors.

5- Origami 

This manual activity is very common among children as it helps concentration, coordination and fine motor skills. Also, more and more adults consider it a very interesting hobby. In addition, it is also a benefit for the elderly due to the memory stimulation it requires. 

It is, therefore, a special activity for the whole family. Keep in mind that it is very economical since you only need paper. As you get better and better at it, you will be able to find more and more complex and challenging origami to make.

6- Ceramics

It is the manual art of making objects by molding fired clay. The main elements you need to make pottery are:

• Clay
• Ceramic lathe 
• Tools (punch, stakes, wire cutter,…)
• Glazes and paints

For this type of craft, you need more elements than the previous ones, but it will surely be quality entertainment where relaxation and creativity will be the protagonists. Besides, you will have very functional objects due to your work. You can make cups, plates, ornaments, jewelry and much more.

7- Bijuteri 

Making bijuteri will be so entertaining that it will help you forget the problems around you. It also has other benefits, such as the money you will save on fine jewelry. Also, by making your pieces, you can make personalized designs that match your clothes.

The materials that can be used are diverse. Your imagination can create designs with very original materials. Among the most commonly used components are:

• Wire
• Beads
• Mechanical separations
• Imitation beads
• Colored threads
• Colored leather 
• Brooches and accessories 
• Chains

All these elements are very cheap and easy to get. You can also recycle, for example, old chains and give them a second life.

8- Pot Painting 

Craft enthusiasts have found more and more elements to embellish with their art. Decorating pots is a simple way to adapt them to the style of your home. In addition, it will help your plants look their best.

• You only need four main elements:
• Brushes 
• Pots
• Acrylic paint
• Varnish 

The good thing about this activity is that it is “doubly pleasurable” in addition to painting the pot, you will work the soil when it is your turn to place a plant in it. 

9- Handmade Soaps

Besides being eco-friendly and beneficial for skin care, natural soaps are a fun hobby. The elements you need are: 

• Glycerin base
• Wooden sticks
• Aromatic oils
• Microwaveable containers
• Molds
• Isopropyl alcohol

By making handmade soaps, you will save money and know what you are putting on your skin.

10- Lettering 

This more modern manual art consists of artistic calligraphy that provides a specific style for conveying what you want. If you like to create with pencils and consider that you have good handwriting, you will love this practice.

Practicing lettering will help you to create beautiful letters, pictures, phrases, and posters and will be helpful to release moments of tension.

You only need four elements that you probably already have at home:

• Paper
• Eraser
• Calligraphy pencil
• Pencil

The number of colors and thicknesses you can get to perform this activity will surprise you.

Conclusion 

Professionals recommend crafting for people suffering from anxiety, depression or Alzheimer’s disease because of its beneficial properties for the body and mind.

Even if this is not the case, it is optimal to dedicate your week to doing what you like. Leaving aside the tension of the routine and preventing diseases that stress entails. 

In addition, you will be able to develop other skills such as creativity, concentration, effort, imagination, neatness, coordination and others.

Choose one of these ten options of crafts to relax and start channeling the tension in your body. A healthy and productive hobby can make a real difference in your health and can even be an income if you put your mind to it.