Prescription Strength Woodworking

Prescription Strength Woodworking

The world is constantly changing and so is our response to adversity. Not too long ago we were told to keep our chin up, man up and put up. These days, there is growing recognition that mental health issues are in fact serious and unquestionably prevalent.

The stereotype that men can’t and won't talk about their feelings is also changing thanks to shifts in the societal culture of dismissal as well as organisations like Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Talk Space providing support and openness about how managing our mental health can be a struggle for both men and women. 

And you know what we heard can help? Prescription strength woodworking. Indeed, we read that many therapists actually suggest woodworking to clients who are suffering from depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder. 

So we looked into it. Some of it was simple enough, and other bits, well, even we were surprised. 

Here’s what we learned:

Distraction: Turning your mind to something other than your negative thoughts and feelings provides temporary relief. Woodworking provides an opportunity to focus on the task at hand and not on your stressors, allowing you space to move through your emotions.

Serotonin: Woodworking can be soothing and relaxing, which boosts the mood regulating hormone serotonin. 

Satisfaction: A sense of accomplishment and knowing you have the ability to make something can give you a sense of purpose and boost confidence. 

Creativity: Woodworking requires you to use both your hands and your mind, promoting creative thinking and problem solving.

Community: Woodworking can be a very social hobby, providing a sense of community and belonging, helping us feel connected to others and less isolated.

WoodWorking Mental Health 1

Woodworking provides an opportunity to focus on the task at hand and not on your stressors, allowing you space to move through your emotions.

WoodWorking Mental Health 2

Woodworking can be a very social hobby, providing a sense of community and belonging, helping us feel connected to others and less isolated.

WoodWorking Mental Health 3

Woodworking requires you to use both your hands and your mind, promoting creative thinking and problem solving.

WoodWorking Mental Health 4

A sense of accomplishment and knowing you have the ability to make something can give you a sense of purpose and boost confidence.

WoodWorking Mental Health5

Woodworking can be soothing and relaxing, which boosts the mood regulating hormone serotonin.

Stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness…you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t felt like this to some degree or other at one point in their lives. 

It would be remiss to assume that all it takes is just to reach out for help. Depending on our upbringing, influences and role models, sometimes the issue comes with being able to recognise common indicators that something isn’t right in the first place. 

R U OK Day falls on 8 September 2022 in Australia, and encourages all of us to help notice the signs of mental health struggles in friends, family and colleagues. 

The more we know, the better decisions we can make, to take care of ourselves and each other. It feels good to know that woodworking can help maintain our mental health and be a form of therapy in itself, sounds like a great excuse to us.

Arbortech is a proud supporter of Mens Shed WA and all the incredible values the organisation upholds. 

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