Life is busy, especially during the holidays. It can often feel indulgent to take time for yourself in your sewing space. But did you know that quilting is good for you and your mental health? Have you ever got so absorbed in a quilting project that you lost track of time? You were in the zone and life was good. This is flow state and it’s really good for you. It’s the secret ingredient that turns quilting into self-care. And is a precious gift for your brain. When you are in a flow state worries fade and your focus sharpens. It melts away stress and boosts your mood. So if you are looking for a way to restore your energy and focus quilting may be your solution.
Reduce Stress
Did you know time creating reduces stress? Finishing a block, no matter how small, triggers a release of dopamine. Giving you a little pick me up, replacing stress with positivity and a sense of accomplishment. Jenny Doan, of Missouri Star Quilt Company, says, “the creative process is a healing process. It’s not what we create but that we’ve created. It is a way to funnel our energy and focus on things to make the world a better place.”
On that note, quilting can provide a healthy outlet to express feelings that might be hard to put into words. I’ve made memory quilts to help me and others process grief at the loss of a loved one. My friend, Suzy taught me that sewing with bright colors when I’m feeling down, will lift my mood. This has helped me get through the dark months of winter. 
Quilting will also improve mindfulness by engaging your senses. Seeing the color and pattern as well as the act of threading the needle. Hearing the hum of your machine or the snip of the scissors. Feeling the texture of the fabric. Allows you to focus on your project and leaves little bandwidth for mental noise that fuels stress and anxiety.
Improve Cognitive Function
Time spent quilting enhances your cognitive function. It is essentially applied mathematics and geometry. As you visualize how fabric and shapes will come together in your quilt. This practice enhances your spatial reasoning skills, which are crucial for problem-solving. Planning your quilt also improves executive function. Improving these skills not only make for better quilts but will help in every day life with planning, organizing and managing time. 
While no one likes to, or intends to make mistakes quilting gives you a safe place to learn from your mistakes. My whole quilting business started because I made a math error that lead to my first pattern. So embrace your mistakes. Acquire a growth mindset. I like to say that my quilts are like my husband, perfect with lots of character. Your ability to accept imperfections in your quilting will flow into your life. Enabling you to be more accepting and less judgmental of your own thoughts and emotions. Like the quilter who made these grandmother’s garden blocks. Learn her story here. 
So give yourself permission to quilt, even if only for 15 minutes a day. Let your hubby and family know your doing it for them. That they will like you better and you’ll have more to give them. Treat yourself! You deserve it!
