Hands at Work, Mind at Ease

Last Wellness Wednesday, we explored affirmations and how the words we tell ourselves can shape our wellbeing. This week, we’re shifting from words to action. Have you ever noticed how satisfying it feels to knead dough, tend a garden, sketch, knit, or even tinker with a puzzle? That’s not just coincidence—it’s science. Here’s why hands-on activities boost happiness ⬇️

🧠 Your hands have a huge brain footprint 🧠

In the brain’s sensory and motor cortices, the hands take up disproportionately large areas. This means using them stimulates more brain activity than most other body parts.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-for-life/201906/working-with-your-hands-does-wonders-for-your-brain

✋🏼 They help you enter flow ✋🏼

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi found that engaging in skill-based, hands-on activities often induces “flow”—a deeply rewarding state of focus linked to happiness and reduced stress.

https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/

🧶 Crafts can reduce stress and anxiety 🧶

Studies on knitting show that repetitive handwork lowers stress, improves mood, and even supports mental health recovery.

https://www.henryford.com/visitors/caregivers/care-connections/education/the-benefits-knitting-and-crochet

🧘🏿‍♂️ It works like mindfulness 🧘🏿‍♂️

Gardening, pottery, or woodworking engage multiple senses, grounding you in the present and lowering rumination.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20522508/

As our world becomes increasingly fast-paced and digital, tactile activities don’t hold the space they used to. But incorporating them into your life–even for just a few minutes a day–can make a real difference. This week, we encourage you to spend 15 minutes engaging in a hands-on #activity. Here’s some ideas to get you started!

• Break out a puzzle
• Cook or bake something from scratch
• Journal by hand instead of typing
• Try doodling, knitting, sewing or sculpting
• Go foraging (whether it’s berries, leaves or weeds, just get your hands dirty and out in nature!)

It doesn’t have to be good–it just has to exist. Your hands are powerful tools not just for creating, but for healing. By getting “hands-on,” you’re giving your brain a chance to disconnect from the noise, and recharge, reset, and reconnect with joy. Any hands-on hobbies you like to engage with? Drop a comment below, because we want to know! ⬇️