How being creative banishes the blues

There’s a reason we feel happy and relaxed when we knit, paint, color in a coloring book or work on a craft project: The action and thought processes that artistic tasks require trigger our brain to release serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that boost mood, confidence and sense of selfworth. In fact, Kelly Lambert, PH.D., a professor of behavioral neuroscience at the University of Richmond in Virginia and author of Well- Grounded, says it’s the combination of doing the project and seeing the finished product that creates an effort-based reward that makes our brains— and us!— happy.

“Our grandparents grew their own food and sewed their own clothes,” Lambert explains. “And those realworld behaviors were effective for maintaining emotional well-being.” Studies show that as modern conveniences have eliminated the need for these hands- on activities, the incidence of depression has been on the rise. But Lambert says crafting or making something with our hands triggers the same happybrain response as the daily-living chores that bolstered our grandparents’ sense of accomplishment.

What’s more, repetitive motion— like we would do while crocheting or making paper flowers— creates a meditative-like state that is studyproven to lower levels of stressinducing cortisol (a hormone that’s higher in people with depression) in 75% of participants.

The best part? Lambert says any hands- on crafting or art-making activity can bring on these benefits, so simply choose a project that suits you best and feel the joy rush in!