Jewellery has been used for centuries for its beauty, adornment, and symbolic value. But beyond these traditional uses, jewellery can also play a role in reducing stress. Whether it is the repetitive motions of making jewellery, the power of the touch of wearing it, the soothing properties of certain materials, or the ability to express oneself, jewellery can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
Creating your own jewellery can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience
Not only does it allow you to express your creativity and produce a tangible object of beauty, but it can also positively impact your mental well-being.
One of the main benefits of making jewellery is the ability to reduce stress. The repetitive motions involved in crafting and the focus required to work on a specific project can act as a form of mindfulness meditation.
And according to American Psychological Association, researchers theorise that mindfulness meditation may enhance attention by increasing working memory while reducing rumination through disengagement from perseverative cognitive activities.
This can clear the mind and allow you to tune out any distracting thoughts or worries.
Additionally, the feeling of creating something with your own hands can be gratifying, and it can help boost self-esteem as well.
You gain confidence through self-expression
Another benefit of making jewellery is the ability to express yourself in a unique way. Whether you’re using traditional techniques, such as beading or knotting, or experimenting with more modern methods, such as wire-wrapping or metal-smithing, the end result is a piece of jewellery that is truly your own.
Wearing or gifting a piece you’ve created can be a way of sharing a part of yourself with the world and can also serve as a reminder of a particular moment or experience in your life.
Plus, creating your own jewellery can also be an opportunity to explore new materials, techniques, and styles. It’s a chance to learn new skills and push your boundaries as an artist. This can be a great way to boost confidence and stimulate the mind.
It’s also important to note that creating jewellery doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming endeavour. All you need is some basic materials and a few tools, and you can start making your own jewellery at home. There are also many online tutorials and classes available to help you learn new techniques.
Wearing certain types of jewellery can also have a calming effect
Certain materials, such as certain gemstones, can have specific properties that are believed to promote well-being and reduce stress. For example, emeralds are a type of gemstone that has been used for centuries for their supposed healing properties.
They are said to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making them a popular choice for people looking to reduce stress.
One of the ways that emeralds are believed to reduce stress is through their green color. Green is a color that is often associated with tranquillity, balance, and harmony. It is said to have a soothing effect on the mind and body as our eyes are most attuned to picking up wavelengths of light associated with that color, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
If the colour green has an impact on calming you down and you are into beautiful earrings, then any popular emerald earring 2023 collection will surely soothe your eyes.
The power of touch
The sensation of wearing a piece of jewellery, whether it be the weight of a necklace around your neck or the feeling of a ring on your finger, can provide a sense of comfort and security.
Doctors even say that using fidget jewellery like a rotating ring or a necklace that has loosed beads relaxes our minds. We engage our body’s sensory touch power and reconnect with the essential nerves in our brains. This has a calming effect on us in the same way meditation, or other focused relaxation techniques do.
This can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from anxiety, as the physical sensation of wearing jewellery can help to anchor them in the present moment and provide a sense of grounding.
Jewellery can help to reduce stress in a number of ways. The repetitive motions involved in making jewellery, the properties of certain materials, the power of a touch, and the ability to express oneself, can all contribute to a reduction in stress levels and an improvement in overall well-being.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
