Updated March 1, 2020 . AmFam Team
As social distancing keeps many of us at home, now is a prime time to “do it yourself” and tackle some projects or learn a new skill. Beyond the satisfaction that comes with creating something using your own two hands, there are many benefits of DIY-ing. Not only can it help you save money, but DIY projects offer you real, hands-on ways to empower your mind and improve your wellbeing.
Whether you’re a DIY novice or have been refurbishing furniture for years, we’ve got five reasons you should tackle that DIY project.
Few things bring people together like shared interests, and DIY projects encourage these special connections. Whether you enjoy cooking, crafting or remodeling, chances are there is a large community of people who can offer friendship and support — an essential part of keeping your dreams on track.
And the good news is, during this time of social distancing, you don’t even have to leave your house to enjoy the support system of DIY-ers like you. All you need is a computer and internet connection to have access to countless groups dedicated to the DIY lifestyle. Here are a few to look into:
Facebook Groups. Long gone are the days where Facebook is a simple status update and photo album. Now, you can join a variety of communities and groups designed for communication. If you want to find others who are interested in a common activity or project, you’ll likely find a Facebook Group already dedicated to it. If not — create your own!
Reddit. Made up of millions of subreddits focused on different topics, Reddit is a massive collection of forums, where you can share content and comment on other people’s posts. Gain some inspiration and enjoy the support of others by finding or creating a subreddit (Opens in a new tab).
Bonus: Joining a group or forum means you can show off your DIY accomplishments! It’s fun to share with others and sometimes a little praise is all you need to spark some motivation to start something new.
Amid life’s uncertainties, DIY-ers rely less on the products, services and expertise of others. Instead, they find an exhilarating sense of freedom through the new skills and confidence they have cultivated, a quality that spreads to all areas of life.
This confidence can lead to a more motivated mindset, which is needed now more than ever. Keeping yourself occupied, exploring your creative side and putting yourself to work has the potential to be a catalyst for something much bigger down the road. A career change, a side gig, opening your own business — what do you want to get out of your efforts?
So the point is simple — DIY-ing is great for your overall happiness! If you lately find yourself with more time on your hands at home, consider tackling some projects yourself or learning a new skill. You just may find it a great time of self-discovery.
Want more tips and motivation? Our collection of self-improvement tools and resources will help support and guide you along any dream pursuit.
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