Five Life Benefits of Scrapbooking
by Michelle Mann
Watching someone who is absorbed in the art of scrapbooking, the observer gets a feeling that there is more taking place than the execution of a hobby. Immersed in photographs and memorabilia, the hobbyist appears to rise above the current stress of life as the task provides a mental break from the demands of the day. Shared with loved ones or friends, scrapbooking is also an avenue for spending quality time together while sharing ideas behind a single purpose.
But don't just accept the words of an insider. Indeed the Craft and Hobby Association emphasizes the "therapeutic benefits" of this particular hobby. According to estimates by the association, people in 35 percent of U.S. households both enjoy scrapbooking a regular basis and enjoy the therapeutic rewards. In addition, there is a benefit that should not be overlooked: The pride in a finished product, or the complete scrapbook itself.
The positive impacts of scrapbooking have long been recognized by St. Jude Children's Hospital, which initiated a scrapbook project for parents over a decade ago. Now an article featured in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, which examined the influence of the scrapbooking sessions, found that they encourage hope and help parents grow their support network. The study brings to light an overlooked effect of scrapbooking.
"Even though the craft of scrapbooking is widespread, its use as a tool for mental health professionals is just developing," stated Paul McCarthy, a St. Jude social worker. "I hope our experience at St. Jude encourages others to try it in diverse settings with a variety of different groups, both young and old."
Undoubtedly, the association and St. Jude are advocates of the "life benefits" of scrapbooking. While there are too many to present in a comprehensive list, these benefits often fall under one of five categories.
The first is the reward of giving, or the joy felt when one creates a meaningful collection that requires reflection on events and the sharing of memories.
The second is the sharing of history for people in the past, and future, to learn about important occasions, events and turning points that help to define people and families in distinctive ways.
The benefit of tranquil and focused reflection that scrapbooking brings is yet another reward. In an age when anxiety medication and anti-depressants are a first choice to relieve stress, scrapbooking allows for a natural, soothing break from all of life's exterior stressors.
The benefit of normalizing life's traumatic experiences, such as break ups, health issues and bereavement, by putting memories in a cohesive yet inspired order, is a fourth benefit. In this way, <a href="http://www.letsgetscrapbooking.com">scrapbooking</a> encourages not just expressing one's self, but also restoration of health and a sense of peace, as the people at St. Jude have realized.
In conclusion, there is the benefit of self-worth in putting the finishing touches on a signature project, which, like the human being who created it, is an inimitable creation. And this benefit, as any seasoned scrapbooker will confirm, is one of the greatest benefits of all: it is a fun, rewarding hobby that provides hours of enjoyment after the book is complete.
If you favor a hands-on approach to capturing your memories, follow this link for high quality <a href="http://www.letsgetscrapbooking.com/paperscrapbooking">paper scrapbooking</a> tools, supplies and embellishments.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Five Life Benefits of Scrapbooking
Author: Michelle Mann
Email: rmann@sherpabob.com
Keywords: scrapbooking, photo albums,mental health,hobbies, health, well being
Word Count: 527
Category: Hobbies
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