Have you noticed that when you are actively using your hands for something like gardening, crafting, organizing, etc., that you feel calm and have a sense of well-being while engaged in the activity? The effort driven reward cycle is related to moving your body, especially your hands, in producing results such as knitting a sweater or making a loaf of bread. So why does your mood positively elevate when working with your hands? When our hands are in action, it gives our mind an opportunity to rest and reset. It can also be a chance to work on problems floating around in your head. Mindlessly working on something with your hands can allow you the space to problem solve and even have a-ha moments which may result in new ideas.
In this day and age of technology and all the devices we use daily, getting regular activity may be a challenge or not a priority. Finding ways to use our hands is a means to combat the sedentary lifestyle we are living as we sit behind computers, play video games, and succumb to the infinite scroll of social media. Using our hands may contribute to maintaining a healthy mood and help to build resilience. Likewise, the absence of this type of activity could contribute to feelings of irritability, indifference, lethargy, and depression.
Now that you are aware that working with your hands can boost your mood, you may be asking yourself, but what is there to do? And what about the time it takes? What if I need supplies? How do I get started? Or worrying, I can’t do anything…. Unfortunately, it can be easy to feel defeated before you even begin. Try this strategy: rather than saying “I CAN’T,” try asking yourself, “What CAN I do?” You might not be able to organize the whole kitchen or closet, but you CAN organize a kitchen drawer or straighten up your shoes or make your bed. Instead of saying, “I CAN’T plant a whole garden,” say, “I CAN plant flowers in a few flowerpots.” In doing these types of activities, you will see the positive effects of your efforts. Interested in being creative? Purchase a variety of craft items from the Dollar Store and see what masterpiece you can make. Look at Pinterest for ideas. Find an easy bread recipe online. Jot down a list of what activities you would like to try!
In the end, it does not matter what you do to use your hands or move your body. Finding something that is meaningful to you is key. Take the time to step away from screens and devices to increase your resilience, boost your mood, and maybe even solve a problem along the way!
References
https://susanbiali.com/working-with-your-hands-can-do-wonders-for-your-brain
https://www.dr-hatfield.com/educ538/docs/Lambert,+2008.pdf
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/depressingly-easy