From scrapbooking and crochet to perfume-making and punch needle art, crafts are a wonderful way to slow down and tap into creative flow. And it’s returning as a way to counter digital fatigue. Learn how to reintroduce it to your life and reconnect to yourself and others.
In a world where most of our time is spent online, either typing, scrolling or swiping, many people are starting to feel the effects of digital fatigue. The digital revolution was meant to connect us, but if we’re honest, we’re only peering into others’ lives in a very unnatural way while being more disconnected than ever before – from others and more so ourselves. This can leave us exhausted, drained and overstimulated. However, a quiet shift is happening, a trend making its way into our routines: crafting. We’re seeing a desire for real-world connection come to life, and it’s exciting.
The cosiness of making something real
We’re seeing younger generations discovering activities once reserved for older people: knitting, embroidery, crochet, and even simple sketching. More and more people are taking art classes or attending sip-and-paint events, and these acts are grounding. They aren’t just hobbies, they’re a return to slow living, tactile and mindful engagements. Think about it: when your hands are busy shaping clay or painting, your mind gets a breather.
Research shows that creativity activates the reward system in the brain, lowers stress and boosts mood, especially if the craft involves repetitive actions. Crafting asks us to be in the moment and in our bodies.
Creativity as a form of wellness
Crafting gives us something digital life cannot: permission to make mistakes, enjoy the process and create just for ourselves. There’s also a sense of achievement attached. The reward of completing something by hand and that’s unique is something quite special. Each stitch or brushstroke becomes a symbol of your patience and presence.
How to reintroduce crafting to your life
- Start with something small – a flower arrangement, an embroidery patch, or a candle
- Make it ritual-like – keep it gentle and dedicate a time slot
- Do it for yourself – not for social media or to be monetised; a hobby is different from a side hustle
- Explore SA cultures for ideas – like beadwork, basket weaving, or pottery have cultural significance
Crafting is a rebellion against mass production, modern consumption and digital overload. It’s about remembering that you are someone who makes, not only consumes. So have fun reconnecting to the parts of you that want peace and well-being.
Compiled by Shaneen Noble
First published on Woman and Home
Also see: Helpful tips for digital decluttering
