How DIY helps well-being

2 min


Let’s be honest, we all could use a lesson or two on improving our well-being. The demands of work, home, and social life can be challenging and exhausting. Often times, when one part of our life is overwhelming, it can lead to unhealthy habits. Unhealthy habits like thinking negatively, lying around for days at a time, and not engaging with family or friends can all have a profound effect on our well-being. 

Luckily, improving your well-being doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars or require you to travel somewhere specific to seek care. When confronted with times of stress, confusion, doubt, or sadness, rolling up your sleeves and tackling a do-it-yourself project can be just what you need to get you back to center.

Types of DIY projects

Arts & crafts

There are so many options to let creativity shine through arts & crafts. You can work together with your kids on fun projects like making slime or a birdfeeder for the backyard. Conversely, you can try your hand at more detailed projects like sewing a quilt or putting together a family scrapbook. No matter which project you choose, it’s a great way to express yourself.

Home improvement

Regardless if your home is old or brand new, there’s always something that needs done. While some jobs are better left to the professionals, there are plenty of ways you can enhance your home. Use a Lowe’s gift card to pick up necessary tools, paint, hardware, and more. There is a deep satisfaction felt on all levels of well-being when you finish installing that new ceiling fan or painting the living room.

Types of well-being

Mental

When you set out to create that Pinterest worthy wreath or change the oil change in your car, you can’t help but focus on the task at hand. We’ve all been in the situation where we’re overloaded with thoughts or are worried about something specific in our life. When you concentrate on a DIY project, you are in charge of it from start to finish. Being able to focus on one thing, helps to take your mind off those thoughts or concerns. Psychology Today sites being able to focus in the moment is especially helpful in improving mental health.

Physical

Technology has improved our lives in a variety of ways. We have smartphones that let us do everything from make a call to watch a movie. There are robot vacuums that with a click of a button, clean the whole house. While all of these things are positive advancements, also enable lazy behavior. As a whole, we are far less active than in years past. Being active for just 30 minutes a day plays a crucial role in maintaining physical well-being. In terms of DIY, whether you’re putting up drywall or planting flowers in the garden, it’s still an act of physical fitness.

Emotional

When you feel good emotionally, it coincides and directly connects with your physical and mental well-being. Everyone likes to be told that they’re doing a good job and benefits from a hug. But being proud of yourself, recognizing flaws in your project and correcting it, and even finishing a project translates to a positive emotional response. The satisfaction you get from restoring that old dresser versus buying a new one is a noteworthy self-esteem boost.

Social

Being connected with family and friends is a huge factor in daily life. Having and maintaining a good support system can make all the difference in how you feel about yourself and how you handle situations. What better way to grow and nurture a relationship than by building or making something together? Working on a project with a family member or friend requires effective communication, patience, and trust.

What this all means

In short, any task that you don’t pay for a professional to do can be considered a DIY activity. Like building your own computer to baking a loaf of bread from scratch. When you take the time to do-it yourself, you have the ability to touch on all levels of well-being. The next time you’re faced with a particularly troubling obstacle or decision, pick up a hot glue gun or hammer and give your brain a constructive timeout.

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