With winter weather settling in across Canada, colder temperatures often mean more time indoors and an increased risk of seasonal winter blues. While some people temporarily escape to warmer climates, many of us remain at home—making it especially important to find ways to boost our mood and well-being without going anywhere at all.
One powerful and often overlooked way to do this is through crafting or hobbies. Historically, hobbies were a staple of daily life for our ancestors and elders. Making things by hand—whether sewing, woodworking, baking, or repairing—was once a practical necessity and a meaningful pastime. In recent decades, however, this has declined significantly as society has become increasingly technology-driven.
The Decline of Hands-On Hobbies
Research reflects this shift. Over the past 20 years, average daily screen time has more than doubled, while participation in hands-on hobbies such as crafting, woodworking, and needle arts has steadily decreased. Surveys suggest that fewer than 25% of adults now regularly engage in a creative hobby, compared to over 50% in the 1960s and 70s.
At the same time, adults now spend an average of 7–9 hours per day on screens, much of it devoted to passive consumption rather than active engagement.
Yet, there are profound benefits to making things with our own hands.
Why Making Things Matters
Personally, rediscovering hobbies has been a game changer in how I experience the winter months. From a professional standpoint, I also notice how rarely people identify hobbies beyond “TikTok,” gaming, or watching shows when asked about leisure activities in session.
Please hear me clearly—there is nothing inherently wrong with these activities. I enjoy some of them myself. However, there is something uniquely gratifying about creating rather than consuming. Let’s explore some of the benefits of hobbies that involve making and creative aspects.
Mental Health Benefits
Hobbies can be a powerful source of fulfillment and emotional regulation. They provide a healthy distraction from life’s stressors, especially those problems that don’t have immediate solutions. Engaging in creative work offers a temporary retreat from daily pressures and fosters a sense of mastery over a specific skill.
When we make things with our hands, we strengthen our sense of self-efficacy and confidence, reinforcing the belief that we are capable and competent.
Boosts Resilience and Cognitive Functioning
Like any new skill, hobbies often come with a learning curve. They may not feel rewarding right away, and frustration is common—hello, knitting! However, when we challenge ourselves to learn something new, we activate problem-solving skills and enhance executive functioning.
Learning new skills strengthens neural connections and may help protect against cognitive decline.