A guide to practising self-care as a maker
It has been proven that using your hands and making things has a hugely beneficial impact on a person’s mental wellbeing and stress levels. However, can the same be said if your craftwork is your business? Despite the therapeutic process of making, as a handmade business, you have the added pressures of making products to order, shipping, and the all-important selling of your items. With that being said, here is a short guide to practising self-care as a maker.
1. Protect your joints
Although using your hands to make things is undeniably mentally stimulating and therapeutic, crafting can take a toll on your joints if you are at it for long periods of time without a break. You may begin to experience joint pain in your fingers, wrists, and elbow, which, if left untreated, could lead to repetitive strain injury. To help prevent this, try wearing an elbow compression support sleeve, which can help to provide support and compression for pain relief from muscle soreness – you can find a high-quality one from Bearhug. Additionally, make sure that you work regular breaks into your crafting sessions to reduce the strain on your joints.
2. Get regular fresh air
Crafting can be a sedentary, indoors task, and before you know it, you may have spent six hours sat in the same position on your couch. Make sure that you build in some time outdoors in the fresh air. For instance, you could go for a post-lunch walk or a mid-afternoon bike ride. Regular exercise will not only help to keep you physically refreshed, the break away from your desk can help to reinvigorate your ideas and energy levels, meaning that you return to your work ready for another fun making session.
3. Build a community
Crafting is often a solitary activity that can become lonely. However, thanks to the internet, you have a great opportunity for connecting with makers from all over the world who can provide you with the company, support, and advice. For instance, if you are a knitter or crocheter, check out ravelry.com for plenty of information, fun, and support from fellow aficionados of the fibre crafts. Being part of a community also provides you with an additional marketing platform for your handmade business, and other makers may also be able to provide you with tips for selling your handmade items.
4. Know your limits
Learning all the skills involved in your craft to be called a master can take a lifetime. As such, you may be really competent at one thing – sold as your handmade business – and not so skilled in another. Therefore, don’t feel pressured to diversify into other areas before you feel satisfied with the quality of your items – your crafting community can be an excellent resource in teaching you tricky techniques. Likewise, recognise when crafting is becoming more of a chore than a joy. If this is the case, you might want to take a step back from your handmade business to rediscover your love for making.