Depression…lifts! - The mood-boosting power of handcrafts

 The Mood-Boosting Power of Handcrafts

“Hand-based hobbies release dopamine in the brain, which heightens happiness” —Alton Barron, M.D.




“When you use your hands meaningfully—by sewing, knitting or sculpting—you stimulate 60% of the neurons in the largest part of your brain, which releases dopamine, a hormone that helps you feel instantly calm and happy,” says Alton Barron, M.D., co-author of 

The Creative Cure: How Finding and Freeing Your Inner Artist Can Heal Your Life.


Plus, engaging these neurons lowers levels of cortisol to tamp down anxiety.


In fact, British researchers collected data from 3,500 knitters, including how often they knitted and any health conditions they had. 
Their findings: 81% of those with depression diagnoses reported that knitting boosted their happiness—
significantly higher results than antidepressants!


While creative projects like needlepoint and crocheting actively engage your hands for a boost in joy, Dr. Barron says other meaningful tasks—like tending to a garden or cooking—have the same effect. 

“Find any handbased hobby that brings you pleasure. It can be something that you enjoyed as a child or
reminds you of a loved one.”


Comments

Post a Comment

This Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Popular posts from this blog

Low-Carb Keto Detox Chilled Cucumber Soup

Image
Low-Carb Keto Detox Chilled Cucumber Soup Hands-on 10 minutes; Overall 2-3 hours; Serving 6; Serving size 1 1/4 cups/ 300 ml This low-carb soup is packed full of flavour from garlic, limes, fresh basil and spring onions. For a boost of healthy fats, I added avocados and extra virgin olive oil. Ingredients 800 g fresh gherkins or 3 large cucumbers (1.76 lb) 2 medium avocados (300 g/ 10.6 oz) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 large spring onions, roughly chopped (50 g/ 1.8 oz) bunch of fresh basil (28 g/ 1 oz) 3 tbsp fresh lime juice or lemon juice (45 ml) 2 cups water, vegetable stock or chicken stock (480 ml/ 16 fl oz) 3/4 tsp tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided (120 ml/ 4 fl oz) 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (200 g/ 7.1 oz)   Instructions 1. Roughly chop the cucumbers. Halve the avocados, remove the seeds and peel. Peel and mince the garlic and roughly chop the spring onions. Although you will blend the in
Read more

Easy Keto Nachos

Image
Easy Keto Nachos PREP TIME 10 minutes; TOTAL TIME 10 minutes       Know The Exact Reason Behind Why You are Gaining Fat Just Answer The 5 Simple Questions CLICK HERE These crispy, cheesy Easy Keto Nachos are ready in about 10 minutes! This is the perfect easy meal or appetizer for about 3 net carbs!   Ingredients 2 cheese wraps 2 cups cooked, seasoned taco meat 1/4 cup shredded lettuce 2 tablespoons sour cream 1 tablespoon red onion 2 tablespoons guacamole 2 tablespoons salsa   Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Slice the cheese wraps into chip like wedges. 3. Bake the cheese for 10-12 minutes until browned and crisp. Allow the cheese to cool a few minutes. 4. Add half the chips to the bottom of a plate, top with half the meat, repeat the layers. 5. Top with your favorite nacho fixings.   Notes 1. You can change up the toppings and use whatever you would like.   Nutrition Information: YIELD: 2 SERVING SIZE: 1/2 the d
Read more

Keto Bread Rolls

Image
Keto Bread Rolls Servings: 8 rolls  Take 8 Week (56 Days) Science Based Weight Loss Challenge With 60 Days Money Back Guarantee.  Know Exactly What to Eat to Lose Fat and Get Healthy  Without  Giving Up Your Favorite Foods or Starving Yourself. 46,000+ People Have Become Slim Till Now. (Cost - 37 $ only for 8 weeks) These fluffy bread rolls are gluten free, low carb and keto friendly.  ⬇️  A "HEALTH TIP" is Waiting for YOU, Below  ⬇️ INGREDIENTS - 1 1/2 cups part skim low moisture shredded mozzarella cheese 2 oz full fat cream cheese 1 1/3 cups super fine almond flour 2 tbsp coconut flour 1 1/2 tbsp aluminum free double acting baking powder 3 large eggs one egg is reserved for egg wash ⬇️  The "HEALTH TIP" is from TOP Health Magazine  ⬇️ RECIPE - 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour and baking powder. Set aside. 3. Add mozzarella and cream cheese to a large microwave-safe
Read more