Episode Details

Have you ever felt a sense of calm after working in the garden, fixing something in the shop, or cooking in the kitchen? Why does working with our hands have such a powerful effect on our mood? Can working with our hands help with the heaviness we feel, the anxiety, or even depression?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the deep connection between WORKING WITH OUR HANDS and MENTAL WELL-BEING with Clinical Psychologist and Professor Dr. Sherry Pagoto.  Sherry challenges us to assess our LIFE BALANCE through the ROOTS Framework (Relationships, Occupation, Ongoing Growth, Tasks, and Self-Care) and explains how these life areas being in BALANCE is key to mental health, and how WORKING WITH OUR HANDS can help rebalance us when life goes sideways.  This important episode will explore the science behind this connection and share inspiring stories of how creativity and craftsmanship can be a form of therapy.

A companion article to today's conversation is published in Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shrink/202504/how-creative-pursuits-can-quiet-the-noise-of-stress

For more information from Dr. Sherry Pagoto, you can find her on LinkedIn, BlueSky @drsherrypagoto.bsky.social and on Instagram @drsherrypagoto.

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