I read an article in Consumer Reports on health, titled, “Make Art, Melt Stress.” It says that sculpting, painting, drawing or creating a collage helps reduce levels of cortisol––a hormone that increases when you are under stress. Creating art helps newbies to art and veteran, artsy–craftsy types, alike. The article said volunteers who struggled at first (but ultimately liked their project––that would be me) or who said the experience helped them learn something about themselves were more likely to see a drop in cortisol. This is a good thing. While I was painting, I was enjoying it. It reminded me of paint by numbers or coloring for adults.
My other new venture for this year was enrolling in a sewing class. Sewing is not new to me, I actually made my prom gown. But it has been a long time since I have sat in front of a sewing machine. My sister was kind enough to give me a brand new machine that I spotted in her garage. I remember how I used to love to make skirts and dresses; why not try it again. I am taking a few sewing classes at JoAnn’s and plan to take a quilting class as well. Once I got started, it was just like riding a bike; it all started coming back to me. Threading the machine and loading the bobbin wasn’t too hard after all. I understand they now have machines that are self-threading. Now that I am going to be sewing again, I have thought about all kinds of things that I can make––throw pillows, quilts––and I can replace my favorite bathrobe by making my own.
2017 is going to be great and filled with brand new adventures.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
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