It’s common knowledge that exercise and a balanced diet rule the health world. We’ve all heard the classic “make sure you eat your veggies!!” But a healthy lifestyle doesn’t stop when the veggies leave your plate. What many people are unaware of however, are the positive benefits to having a creative outlet… specifically scrapbooking!

While it may sound silly, scrapbooking is actually proven to have numerous health benefits. Below are four reasons why you should take a trip to your local Michael’s and begin your first scrapbook!

1. It Lowers Stress Levels

Whether it be tax season, the night before a big game, or midterms week, we all experience some form of stress in our lives. When you begin to feel your heart rate and breathing quicken, take a minute to hone in on your creative side. The simple act of gluing pictures onto paper begins the relaxation process in your body. As you begin to scrapbook, your body releases dopamine, a natural antidepressant. This neurotransmitter will calm your body in just minutes, and before you know it you will be feeling less anxious. 

1. It is a Form of Meditation

Scrapbooking has been compared to many meditation techniques in the way that it focuses your mind on one particular task, and allows all your other worries to float away. Instead of worrying about the bills you have to pay this month, your mind distracts you with more present questions. What color background should I use? What style font would look good? These questions force you to focus your attention on scrapbooking and scrapbooking only, allowing your mind to relax and forget about the worries of everyday life.

1. It Gives Your Brain a Workout

While this might sound counterintuitive to the points above, scrapbooking is actually a great workout for your brain. Trying to remember what date your family took that trip to Hawaii or when your daughter had her first piano recital can be pretty tough. But tough is good for the brain! Studies have shown that recollecting the past can aid in the growth of new neural pathways in the brain, a process called neuroplasticity. Additionally, it has been proven that scrapbooking leads to better problem solving skills.

1. It Can Act as a Social Mechanism

Feeling a little overwhelmed and want some alone time? Feeling lonely and need some company? Scrapbooking has you covered! The amazing thing about this hobby is that it can be done alone or with a group of people… it’s entirely up to you!

Whether you use it as a chance to get crafty with some good friends, or an opportunity to escape the chaos of your life, scrapbooking is without a doubt beneficial for your health. It lowers stress, exercises your brain, and provides you with a form of meditation. But the most important benefit of it all is that it keeps your heart happy. Each photo represents a memory that you want to preserve, and without a doubt, recalling those memories will lead you to feel happier. So pick up your paper and glue, and get to it!