Mental Health benefit of woodwork

[Blackswanwood]

I spotted an article in the local BBC news about The Viking Boat Company.

In short they offer support to ex servicemen and women with mental health by teaching/involving them in woodwork.

It made me think about how woodwork has probably been a counter balance to the pressures of life for me over the years. We often discuss how the education system has dumbed down woodworking and similar subjects and the impact on trades/ability to do DIY. I wonder if it also contributes to the increase in mental health that we have seen over the last couple of decades?

Here’s the article from the BBC and website for the organisation. A very worthwhile endeavour in my opinion.

Veterans build Viking boat to boost mental health https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgxyex781jo

https://planesailing.org/

 

[Chris152]

I think anything that allows you to focus down on something to the exclusion of much of the nonsense that goes on in the world, that allows you to be in the moment, can have that effect. Woodworking, gardening, making model airoplanes, repairing a clock - whatever. But I also think wood's natural beauty adds to the effect.

 

[Jacob]

I think the physical activity itself is healthy; woodwork, gardening, moving, lifting.....etc
I've recently taken up running which is very physical, but also very sociable. Can really feel the benefits!
Get started with C25K and go on to park-runs

 

[Yojevol]

I can thoroughly recommend Peter Korn's book Why We Make Things & Why It Matters

 

[Eshmiel]

Part of the reason I took up woodworking some decades ago was to employ its calming and generally positive effects as a counter and antidote to working in a large bureaucratic organisation. The work there was interesting and varied but the "management" of the whole enterprise was frustrating in the extreme, with many who worked there having their efforts wasted or damaged by greasy pole climbers and lookatme persons.

Not such a trauma as those suffered by ex-servicemen and others exposed to the extreme nastiness of human behaviours. Still.

The only slight issue with using woodwork as an antidote (in which the shed is an inviolate domain controlled only by moi) was that it contained tools such as axes and large chisels. These could easily serve as the essential accoutrement should one snap in that frustrating workplace then run amok until the angsts subside. It could have resulted in a bluddy mess! And no more shed visiting for some years!!

************
The shed is certainly a retreat and the woodworking therein an antidote to all sorts of madworld stuff. Add Radio 3 as you work, which makes the whole shed experience even more other-worldly. Far from the madding crowd, even if they are just the other side of the shed door.

 

[Cabinetman]

I have always known that it’s been beneficial for me to go into my workshop and make things, stretches the mind as you are always thinking of the design and how to accomplish it. Plus the sense of achievement in making something to be proud of.

 

[Kittyhawk]

60 years ago I knew an old man and his mantra was 'if I can afford it, I'll buy it. If I can't afford it, I'll make it. If I can't make it, I'll do without.'
The thing that immediately stood out was 'I'll borrow to get it' was not part of the equation. I adopted his maxim to save money and over the years 'I'll make it' displaced 'I'll buy it' as the preferred option. In every way, developing skills and creating something beats store bought every time. It took a little time to kick in but it's a great joy to me that my sons have adopted the same philosophy.

 

[Gary B]

The main reason I took up woodworking was as an aid to mental health due to a demanding day job. It’s worked wonders for me

 

[Ollie78]

It is a bit of a double edged sword for me. I really do enjoy making things and to work with your hands and mind is basically what humans are all about.
However, having to try and make money while doing it adds to the stress it is supposedly alleviating.

Still better than working in any of the thankless and totally unrewarding jobs I have had in the past.
I guess mental health wise it breaks even.