It's easy to see how a relaxing craft project can reduce stress and increase mental well-being but what about physical pain? Craft has been a common part of rehabilitation and recovery in many contexts throughout history but it's easy to assume that this practice was established purely to relieve the boredom of being in a sick bed. However, there is good evidence that craft has physical effects too and remarkably can be used to reduce physical pain.
Stress, Relaxation And Pain
Chronic pain is complex and multi-layered and so are the treatments and things that help. Modern medicine often overlooks the body to brain connection and only seeks to treat the physical aspects of discomfort. Stress and tension are known to exacerbate pain so relaxation can help. The charity Action On Pain gives the following advice about the connection between relaxation and pain.
With chronic pain we tend to tense up and the ability to relax is paramount yet it can become all but impossible. Tension increases the pain which then further increases stress and tension and so the cycle becomes self-perpetuating. However by learning and practicing deep relaxation exercises it is possible to overcome this.
Craft offers different routes to deep relaxation and can be used effectively as self-care. The rhythmic repetitive movements inherent in most crafts have a soothing and relaxing effect on the body. Much like rocking a cradle or swinging on a chair. It triggers the body’s natural rest response. Craft is often very tactile too. Just the act of holding and working with silky thread, soft yarn or smooth fabrics can be calming and help you focus on the moment rather than letting your mind spiral off into worrying or rumination. Craft also offers an opportunity to move into an advantageous mental state known as flow. If you choose a craft project that is difficult enough to hold your attention fully but not too difficult that it frustrates you, it will tip you into flow. You’ll feel completely absorbed in what you are doing and forget about your troubles. It gives your mind a proper rest from anxious thoughts. A bit like meditation, if you regularly use craft to induce flow states you will be ingraining a relaxation response, making it easier to drop into relaxation the next time you sit down to a craft session. Being relaxed has a beneficial effect on pain.
The Role Of Flow States In Reducing Pain
Flow state can offer a welcome distraction for anyone managing chronic pain and incredibly it can also reduce the physical sensation of pain for a short time too. “When experiencing chronic pain, many find that they forget their pain for a while because they become engaged in something else but they also experience actual pain relief as flow triggers the biochemical release of anandamide.” Dr Anne Kirkerterp, psychologist and author, Craft Psychology: How crafting promotes health Anandamide is a natural pain reliever. It's like the body's own version of the active substance THC in cannabis. It reduces pain by blocking the pain signals the body sends to the brain. This effect lasts for a few minutes. All in all science is confirming what crafters have always known - that craft is good for you and will help you feel better. It’s amazing to know it has pain reducing properties too. If you’d like to read more about the benefits of craft for your health you can get a copy of Anne Kirketerp’s book here: Craft Psychology: How crafting promotes health.
