5 Ways DIY Projects Can Improve Mental Health

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck our beautiful nation, people across the country have been forced to change their ways — from how they think to how they act and live on a daily basis. For many the pandemic has given them a lot of spare time with nothing to do with it. It didn’t take long before people started to struggle with the state of their mental health, either due to the many challenges they’re faced with today or due to the boredom of sitting at home all day. This is the harsh reality that many are experiencing and it’s ruining their overall well-being.

Since mental health is just as important as physical health, it’s essential that you find new interests and hobbies to fill in all this extra time. For those that are struggling to find something new, do-it-yourself projects are a great place to start — and they can help improve mental health!

So, what do we consider a DIY project?

A DIY project is any project that can be completed without the direct help of a professional. When most people hear the term ‘DIY,’ they immediately think of fixing or repairing things around the house. While it’s popular, there are plenty of other things that fall in this category.

Here are some of the amazing things that are considered a DIY project:

• Handcrafting – this can include anything from crocheting to knitting, soap-making, candle making, glitter stationary, and pottery.
• Woodworking – you’d be surprised what you can build out of wood, such as a bird feeder, a cutting board, a shelf, a bookcase, and even a picnic table!
• Repairs – anyone who owns a home understands that there are a million things that can be repaired in the home, including appliances, toilets, sinks, and refrigerators.
• Home Improvement – there’s nothing more satisfying than giving your home the makeover it needs, whether it’s flooring, paint, counters, or lighting.
• Gardening – whether you’re growing flowers, plants, fruits, or vegetables, gardening is a rewarding activity that adds a little color to your exterior.

There are so many ways to get started with a DIY project and they each yield a wide range of unique benefits. Better yet, a majority of these projects are much easier than the average person would anticipate. After all, there’s a reason why they’re called ‘do-it-yourself’ projects.

Benefits of DIY Projects on Mental Health

We all know that one of the biggest benefits of completing a DIY project is that it completes a task without the help of a professional. In many ways, this can help you save a lot of money and also teaches you a new skill along the way. With that said, it’s far from being the only benefit! Do-it-yourself projects are a great way to improve your mental health and it does so in a variety of ways. Of course, you’ll need to find a DIY project that you enjoy. Once you find it, you’ll be surprised at just how much of an impact it has on your overall mental and physical well-being. Below, we’re going to detail five of the most prominent benefits of starting and completing a DIY project at home:

1.    Relieves Stress & Anxiety

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on everyone’s personal lives, there’s no questioning the amount of stress and anxiety everyone’s living with. Whether you’ve lost your job, lost a hobby, or even lost a loved one, there’s likely a lot running through your mind daily. Believe it or not, a DIY project is an excellent way of relieving yourself of all the stress and anxiety that’s been built up over the past year. It not only gives you something to do, but it’s a great way to be creative and productive simultaneously. The stress and anxiety won’t last long!

2.    Increases Self-Confidence

Anyone who has ever started a DIY project understands the amount of accomplishment that overcomes them once that project is completed. Especially with the way the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of thinking, we could all use that sense of achievement in life. When you achieve something, especially something that you always thought you’d need a professional for, it increases your overall confidence in life. It gives you the motivation to try new things more often and helps give you the courage to expand your horizons in other ways.

3.    Takes Your Mind Off Negativity

DIY projects are also a great way to relieve yourself of all the negativity in your life and replacing that negativity with positive emotions that run freely. We often get stuck in these negative downward spirals that take control of our mental thinking, which only makes everything worse. Starting a DIY project helps take your mind off of all the negativity circling around in your head. You get a fresh moment to breathe, relax, and work towards a completed project. By the time you’re done, the stress relief and increased self-confidence make you feel better about yourself.

4.    A Great Way to Meet People

In addition to the self-confidence, stress relief, and positivity a DIY project welcomes into your life, it’s also a great way to meet people — or grow a stronger bond with the people you already know. This is especially true if you start a DIY project with your parents, siblings, or children. You also have to think beyond that. There will come a time when you need some assistance with completing your DIY project — whether it’s helpful tips or a simple question. Eventually, you’ll have to ask someone that knows more than you. Just like that, you’ve made a friend.

5.    Boosts Happiness & Fulfillment

The last mental health benefit of starting and completing a DIY project is how it boosts your overall mood. It’ll make you feel much happier with yourself and will bring about a greater sense of fulfillment in your life — so much that you’ll want to start and complete another DIY project! With the way the world looks today, we could all use a boost of happiness in our lives. Many of us are feeling down and there’s not a whole lot going on right now that’s designed to bring us up. It’s a little unfortunate, but it’s time we start finding ways to bring ourselves up every day.

Are You Struggling With Poor Mental Health?

Although most people are more concerned with their physical health these days, it’s time we start to recognize the importance and essentiality of mental health. In many ways, physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand. It’s hard to have one and not have the other. If you’ve been struggling with your mental health and it’s resulted in a lower quality of life for you and your family, don’t be ashamed to seek help. DIY projects can help, but some situations call for more than that. If you need a therapist, reach out to our good friends at BetterHelp today!

For those that are interested in reading more useful, helpful, insightful, and wonderful articles about the world of DIY projects, don’t forget to follow our blog at Handyman Tips. Remember, you don’t always need to pay a professional for repairs, you can do it yourself!