Five Life Benefits of Scrapbooking
Watching someone who is absorbed in the art of scrapbooking, the observer gets a feeling that there is more taking place than the execution of a hobby. Immersed in photographs and memorabilia, the hobbyist appears to rise above the current stress of life as the task provides a mental break from the demands of the day. Shared with loved ones or friends, scrapbooking is also an avenue for spending quality time together while sharing ideas behind a single purpose.
But don't take the word of a mere hobbyist. Even the Craft and Hobby Association touts the "therapeutic benefits" of scrapbooking. It estimates that people in 35 percent of American households now enjoy the hobby on a regular basis and reap these and other intrinsic rewards. And don't forget about one of the more intangible rewards: the pride in the finished product, or the scrapbook itself.
The positive impacts of scrapbooking have long been recognized by St. Jude Children's Hospital, which initiated a scrapbook project for parents over a decade ago. Now an article featured in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, which examined the influence of the scrapbooking sessions, found that they encourage hope and help parents grow their support network. The study brings to light an overlooked effect of scrapbooking.
"Even though the craft of scrapbooking is widespread, its use as a tool for mental health professionals is just developing," said Paul McCarthy, a social worker at St. Jude. "I hope our experience at St. Jude encourages others to try it in diverse settings with a variety of different groups, both young and old."
Undoubtedly, the association and St. Jude are advocates of the "life benefits" of scrapbooking. While there are too many to present in a comprehensive list, these benefits often fall under one of five categories.
The first is the benefit of giving, or the joy one feels when one creates a unique piece that requires great thought and the sharing of memories.
The next is the recording of events for people in the past, and future, to remember important occasions and life events that help to define individuals and families in unique ways.
The benefit of tranquil and focused reflection that scrapbooking brings is yet another reward. In an age when anxiety medication and anti-depressants are a first choice to relieve stress, scrapbooking allows for a natural, soothing break from all of life's exterior stressors.
There is also the benefit of coming to grips with painful events, such as divorce, sickness and loss, by putting memories in a unified yet creative order. In this way, scrapbooking moves beyond self-expression into the areas of healing and a sense of peace with life events, which the people at St. Jude also experienced.
In conclusion, there is the benefit of self-worth in putting the finishing touches on a signature project, which, like the human being who created it, is an inimitable creation. And this benefit, as any seasoned scrapbooker will confirm, is one of the greatest benefits of all: it is a fun, rewarding hobby that provides hours of enjoyment after the book is complete.
But don't take the word of a mere hobbyist. Even the Craft and Hobby Association touts the "therapeutic benefits" of scrapbooking. It estimates that people in 35 percent of American households now enjoy the hobby on a regular basis and reap these and other intrinsic rewards. And don't forget about one of the more intangible rewards: the pride in the finished product, or the scrapbook itself.
The positive impacts of scrapbooking have long been recognized by St. Jude Children's Hospital, which initiated a scrapbook project for parents over a decade ago. Now an article featured in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, which examined the influence of the scrapbooking sessions, found that they encourage hope and help parents grow their support network. The study brings to light an overlooked effect of scrapbooking.
"Even though the craft of scrapbooking is widespread, its use as a tool for mental health professionals is just developing," said Paul McCarthy, a social worker at St. Jude. "I hope our experience at St. Jude encourages others to try it in diverse settings with a variety of different groups, both young and old."
Undoubtedly, the association and St. Jude are advocates of the "life benefits" of scrapbooking. While there are too many to present in a comprehensive list, these benefits often fall under one of five categories.
The first is the benefit of giving, or the joy one feels when one creates a unique piece that requires great thought and the sharing of memories.
The next is the recording of events for people in the past, and future, to remember important occasions and life events that help to define individuals and families in unique ways.
The benefit of tranquil and focused reflection that scrapbooking brings is yet another reward. In an age when anxiety medication and anti-depressants are a first choice to relieve stress, scrapbooking allows for a natural, soothing break from all of life's exterior stressors.
There is also the benefit of coming to grips with painful events, such as divorce, sickness and loss, by putting memories in a unified yet creative order. In this way, scrapbooking moves beyond self-expression into the areas of healing and a sense of peace with life events, which the people at St. Jude also experienced.
In conclusion, there is the benefit of self-worth in putting the finishing touches on a signature project, which, like the human being who created it, is an inimitable creation. And this benefit, as any seasoned scrapbooker will confirm, is one of the greatest benefits of all: it is a fun, rewarding hobby that provides hours of enjoyment after the book is complete.
About the Author:
Michelle Mann is an enthusiastic scrapbooker and mother of three sons based in Northern California. In coordination with her husband, she has also created consumer websites for finding best products and printable coupons.. Also published at Five Life Benefits of Scrapbooking.
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