Grow Your Cross Stitch Knowledge...
...AND ENJOY MORE STITCHING FUN!
Whether you’re brand new to Cross Stitch, or want to improve your stitching skills, you’ve come to the right place for the best cross stitching information and entertainment.
Here, you’ll discover up-to-date news, reviews, and tutorials on the latest cross cross stitch tools accessories and supplies.. We’re here to help you have fun while you improve your cross stitching knowledge and skills.
Patterns Patch Blog
To help you navigate Patterns Patch, our Blog section is divided into these four categories:
How To
Being gentle and curious people, cross stitchers can be shy about asking for help. Our How To section addresses common stitch-related problems with short, sharp, easy-to-follow no-fluff articles, with nothing left out.
Tutorials
Our tutorials are usually a little longer and take on a more general or broader role when unraveling a cross stitching problem. Here, we will give you the ‘why’ in addition to the ‘how’, together with what comes next.
Tools & Supplies
Although cross stitchers need relatively few dedicated tools, we keep you informed of any new tools and supplies coming onto the needlework market that will enhance your stitching experience.
Reviews
From time-to-time we come across a really useful service for cross stitchers. Following in-depth research and testing of the product or service, we produce for you a detailed report highlighting its good + bad points, and our recommendations.
Below is a selection of some of the most important articles we’ve published, to entertain, motivate and educate you. Why not spend a little time checking out our variety of topics.
"How To"
Here are our latest five ‘How-To’ articles:
Tutorials
Here are our latest five tutorials:
Tools & Supplies
Here are our latest articles on tools and supplies:
Reviews
Here are our latest services and products reviews:
"How Can Cross Stitch Help With Mental Health Problems."
In this article we’re going to look into mental health issues and problems and show why and how cross stitch can provide so many therapeutic benefits.
Let me state from the outset, I’m not a medical person but have extensively researched the mental health problems outlined here. This article has been checked by a qualified psychiatric
counselor to ensure there are no factual errors.
You can check it out for entertainment, or ignore it – your choice! If anything does resonate here or is of interest, you must check out the facts yourself – it’s called doing your due diligence.
Having said that anybody reading this article who has doubts about their own mental health should always consult an appropriate qualified medical professional.
Introduction
In this digital age, we all know the advances made in modern technology are to benefit mankind and improve our lives in so many different ways.
Just think of all the electronic gadgets we have access to for communication and information: smartphones, personal computers, iPads, e-readers, and so many more.
A growing number of modern gadgets in the home incorporate electronic devices and software applications to make every day living easier. Also, what about the new materials being developed, almost daily, to make fabrics, metals and composites lighter, faster and stronger. Again, all this to give people choices for enriching their lives.
However, a consequence of all this development, improvement and change, has resulted in the average person’s lifestyle becoming ever noisier, busier and chaotic. Bombarded with a never-ending deluge of messages and requests, is it any wonder the average brain struggles to take it all in.
Something has to give. And, all too often it does, which almost inevitably leads to some form of mental health concern. Minor at first, but growing inexorably as stress, loss-of-confidence, worry, anxiety, fear, and depression slowly take their toll.
Not a pretty state of affairs at all is it?
So, What is Mental Health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) constitution, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”.
In this article, we’re looking at mental health well-being. The term ‘good’ mental health is generally considered to mean an absence of a mental disorder. Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being, which put in layman’s terms it is all about:
- How we feel
- How we think
- How we behave.
To give you an idea of the scale of mental health concerns across the country, I used the Google search engine to try and find the level of interest in mental health. Checking out the term mental health shows the term is researched nearly 30,000 times daily, which clearly shows a very high level of interest, which is growing continuously.
Mental Health Awareness
For some considerable time now there has been a growing awareness that there needs to be an awakening of mental health concerns. These issues need a much deeper understanding in order to treat them effectively. Lengthy research has shown a gradual appreciation of the many complexities making up mental health.
Long gone are the days of the first world war when victims of a mental health breakdown were branded ‘cowards’ and accused of “Lack of Moral Fiber“. When found guilty those tortured souls were often executed by the barbaric practice of ‘the firing-squad’; thank God those days are long gone.
Again, using Google for research, we can see that checking out the term mental health awareness shows the term is searched for more than 3,500 times every single day.
Clearly there’s a lot of interest and ‘awareness’. in mental health issues.
Poor Mental Health, Warning Signs
Modern day life can be so overwhelming. Trying to deal with mental turmoil brought on by racing thoughts, churning emotions, plus ongoing daily tasks can make anybody feel like they’re spinning out of control.
Life, both inside your head and around you, seems like overwhelming carnage and chaos. Whereas, what you really need is calmness and peace to redress the balance.
These five warning signs all tend to suggest a person has mental health illness:
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability
- Extreme mood swings
- Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.
We must always bear in mind that people in good mental health are often temporarily sad, unwell, angry or unhappy, and this is part of a fully lived life for a human being.
However, our concern in this article is how can cross stitch reduce the effects of poor mental health.
OK, so what has ALL this got to do with cross stitch you might ask?
It’s a good question with a remarkably positive outcome. But first, consider this:
Do you find it difficult to experience peace and serenity? Inner chaos may be to blame!
What does inner chaos look like for you? Do you despair at being unable to overcome your struggles and thereby start to find the peace and happiness in your life you so desire? The good news is: inner chaos is a factor we can control.
I know I’ve painted a very dark picture here, but believe me it is very real for anybody who is mired in the seemingly never-ending depths of despair.
Control What You CAN Control
Trying to deal with your entire past and future on a constant basis makes it virtually impossible to appreciate what is right in front of you.
The truth is, many of the issues causing anxiety in your life are beyond your control. This includes global and community issues as well as problems in your personal life.
What you need to realize is that the weight of the world is NOT on your shoulders, even though it can certainly feel like it at times.
Anxiety tells you that you should be worried about solving problems that are way out of your hands.
In reality, focusing on the issues that you actually have the ability to resolve is a much healthier and practical response to a problem-filled world.
So Where Does Cross Stitch Come In?
The benefits of cross stitch as a mental health therapy
Cross stitch has many benefits that make it an ideal activity for those looking for a way to manage their mental health, especially if you’re suffering from anxiety disorders: including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders (and the list goes on).
For one, cross stitch is a highly portable activity that can be done almost anywhere. It is also relatively inexpensive, and the materials needed are readily available.
Also, cross stitch is a very calming activity. The repetitive nature of the stitches helps to focus your mind and provides the satisfaction of ongoing accomplishment. And of course, generally, the finished product is a source of great pride in a job done well.
On top of this, cross stitch can be a social activity giving a sense of belonging. There are many online forums and groups dedicated to the craft, and it can be a great way to connect with others who share your interests.
How cross stitch can help to ease anxiety and stress
Cross stitch has been shown to be a helpful form of therapy for people who suffer from anxiety and stress. The repetitive nature of stitching can help to ease anxiety and focus the mind, while the creative process can help to boost self-esteem and confidence.
Cross stitch can also be a form of mindfulness, helping you to focus on the present moment and soothing any racing thoughts. The finished product can also be a source of pride and satisfaction, providing an emotional sense of achievement.
If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind, give cross stitch a try. It may just be the perfect therapy for you.
The calming effect of cross stitch
There is something very calming and therapeutic about the repetitive motion of cross stitch. For many people, the act of stitching can help to ease anxiety and stress. In fact, studies have shown that many of the needlework crafts can be as effective as meditation in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Cross stitch can also be a great way to connect with other people. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, reaching out to a friend or family member who enjoys cross stitch can be a great way to bond and build relationships. There are also many online communities dedicated to cross stitch, where you can find support and friendship.
How cross stitch can be used as a form of mindfulness
For centuries, people have used needlework as a form of mindfulness and self-care. Cross stitch is a particularly portable and easy-to-learn form of needlework that can be done almost anywhere.
Cross stitch can be used as a form of mindfulness in two ways: the repetitive actions of stitching can help to calm and focus the mind, and the act of creating something beautiful can boost feelings of self-esteem and wellbeing.
Cross stitch is also a great way to socialize and connect with other people who share your interests. Joining a cross stitch group or attending a class can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and give you a sense of community.
The therapeutic benefits of cross stitch
Cross stitch has long been touted as a therapeutic activity, and recent studies have backed up these claims. A 2016 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that cross-stitch can help reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood and sleep quality, and increase overall well-being.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Nadia Bangash, said that the “repetitive nature of cross-stitch seems to be key to its relaxation benefits.” She added that the creative outlet provided by cross-stitch can also help boost self-esteem and confidence.
Other studies have found similar results. A 2015 study published in the journal Art Therapy found that cross-stitch can help reduce symptoms of depression, while a 2013 study published in the journal PLOS One found that cross-stitch can help ease anxiety and improve mood.
If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, give cross-stitch a try. It’s a great way to Tap into your creative side while also enjoying some therapeutic benefits.
How cross stitch can help to boost self-esteem and confidence
People who suffer from anxiety and low self-esteem can often find it difficult to take part in activities and hobbies. This is because they may feel like they are not good enough or that they will not be able to do it properly. However, cross stitch can be a great way to boost self-esteem and confidence as it is a hobby that does not require any special skills or talent, and it is also very relaxing.
Cross stitch is a form of needlework that has been around for centuries. It is a relatively simple activity that anyone can do, regardless of their age, ability or experience. All you need is a piece of cloth (known as Aida cloth), some thread and a needle. You then follow a pattern to create your design.
One of the great things about cross stitch is that it is very calming and therapeutic. The repetitive nature of the stitches can help to ease anxiety and allow you to focus on the present moment. It can also be very satisfying to see your progress as you stitch, which can help to boost self-confidence.
Cross stitch can be done alone or with others, which makes it a great activity for socialising. It is also a great way to meet new people and make friends, which can further help to boost self-esteem and confidence.
The power of cross stitch as a form of self-care
Though often dismissed as a “simple” hobby, studies have shown that cross stitching can have significant benefits for our mental health. The repetitive nature of the stitches can help to focus and calm the mind, and the creative process can be therapeutic.
Cross stitch can be a form of self-care, providing an outlet for creative expression and helping to reduce stress levels. It can also be a way to connect with other people who share your interest. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stitcher, there’s a community out there for you.
How cross stitch can be used as a form of art therapy
For many people, cross stitch is more than just a hobby – it’s a form of art therapy. The rhythmic, repetitive nature of stitching can be incredibly calming, and the act of creating something beautiful can be therapeutic in itself.
There are no rules in cross stitch, so it’s a great way to express your creativity. And because it’s portable and relatively inexpensive, it’s an activity that can be done anywhere, anytime.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and therapeutic activity, cross stitch could be the perfect hobby for you.
The benefits of cross stitch for mental health
Cross stitch has a number of benefits for mental health. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can also be a form of self-care.
Cross stitch can be a form of mindfulness, as it requires you to focus on the present moment. The repetitive nature of the stitches can help to calm the mind and provide a sense of achievement.
Cross stitch can also be used as a form of art therapy. It can be a creative outlet for emotions and can help to express thoughts and feelings that might be difficult to put into words. The finished product can also be a source of pride and satisfaction.
If you are considering using cross stitch as a form of therapy, it is important to find a design that is meaningful to you. It should be something that you will enjoy working on and that you feel invested in.
How cross stitch can help to improve your mental health
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the link between arts and crafts and mental health. A number of studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can also improve mood and wellbeing.
Cross stitch is one such activity that has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. In a study carried out by the University of Glasgow, it was found that those who took up cross stitching reported lower levels of stress and anxiety, and also felt more productive and Creative.
There are a number of reasons why cross stitch may be beneficial for mental health. For starters, it is a relatively simple activity that can be learned quickly and easily. It is also portable, so it can be taken with you wherever you go.
Cross stitch can also be a form of mindfulness meditation. When you are focused on creating a design, you are forced to live in the present moment and let go of any negative thoughts or worry about the future. This can help to improve mood and increase feelings of calmness and relaxation.
If you are looking for a new hobby that can help to improve your mental health, cross stitch could be the perfect activity for you.
Resources
Here is where you can go for further information to either carry out your own research or to check our facts:
Craft Yourself Happy: 9 Benefits Of Cross Stitching
How cross-stitching helped me manage my anxiety and depression
Why the Mental Health Benefits of Cross Stitch Can Calm Your Life
3 Ways Cross Stitch Helps Me Destress and Keep My Sanity
Stitch Your Way to A Better You: The Very Real Mental Health Benefits of Cross-Stitch
Mystery Free Gift...
Hey! As a Thank you for still being here … let me reward you with a FREEBIE!
If you’re serious about your cross stitching, and don’t keep a record of all the projects you’ve stitched and the pieces you’ve created, then our digital cross stitch journal is perfect for you…
