Scrapbooking is the craft of creatively preserving memories and history through photos, decorations, and illustrations. It’s a practice whose roots start in the 15th century and was formally established in the 19th century. Contrary to popular belief, scrapbooking is not just for kids, teens, or “artsy people”. It’s something that anyone can do and can be done physically or digitally.
Whether you’re using printed photos, an embossing heat tool, paint, and cut-outs, or scrapbooking software, the process can have certain health and personal benefits. So, if you’re looking for reasons to start scrapbooking, maybe the following would help convince you:
De-stress and Relaxation
Any creative hobby can help reduce anxiety and scrapbooking is a healthy, non-expensive way to de-stress. If you’re having a stressful day or you’re feeling anxious about something, spend a few minutes of scrapbooking to take your mind off things that worry you, and then relax. In a way, this activity can be a form of meditation as your entire mind focuses on the task: the layout of the photo, the cutouts and their colors, and the captioning, all of which put your mind in a creative space.
Mental Exercise and Improving Memory
Remembering and recollecting the past and specific details allow the brain to be more active. That is why scrapbooking is also perfect for the elderly, as it is an enjoyable and relaxing way to keep them busy, give their brain a workout, and allow them to recall memories better. Engaging your creative side by planning and doing the designs on the scrapbook is a good way to sharpen your mind.
The fact that you can use almost anything in scrapbooking helps you explore ways to design and augment your work. If you’re planning to just use things that are available at home (magazines, fabrics, etc.) instead of buying things for your scrapbook, your mind would be able to think outside the box and you can create a wonderful and inexpensive product.
Sense of Accomplishment
A scrapbook requires a considerable amount of time and effort to be completed, not to mention some resources. But once all the pages are filled in, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as good as finishing a painting, a sculpture or a book. In addition, the feeling of fulfillment you’d feel would have you looking forward to your next scrapbook.
Socializing
Scrapbooking can be done alone or with people close to you. It can be a tool for socializing, and even if you prefer doing it on your own, you can still bond with other people once you present your scrapbook. It’s like bringing out an old photo album for friends and family to see, but perhaps even better, since your scrapbook contains not only memories but your creative touch.
A Little Something for Posterity
Your scrapbook contains memories of you, your family, and your friends. Each scrapbook can serve as a way for other people to enjoy and remember these shared memories, and maybe even your family’s history. Your scrapbook’s art, design, and layout would reflect your personality, giving people not only a glimpse of your past but of you as a person as well.
Scrapbooking can offer more than just a means for artistic expression or a way to preserve memories creatively. With all these benefits from just a few hours in a week, why not start your own scrapbook. Who knows, perhaps it’s just what you need to take a break from all the work and stress.