Working with your hands, on anything, can bring a type of joy that cannot be created any other way. Working with your hands has an array of benefits for your mind, your body, and your emotions; at least, it has that effect on me. I want to share with you the benefits I get when I work with my hands.

I find bliss in working with wood in different ways, whether it's cutting, building, repairing, etc. It gives me a sense of accomplishment once I’ve finished a project. Now, since I’m a woodworker, you’d think that’s all I work with. While wood is my preferred material, I can work with other things too; not necessarily making something, but repairing, like fixing the plumbing or fixing a lamp.

When I actually get to create something, it brings me a whole new kind of happiness. I am taking one piece of lumber, or multiple pieces of lumber, and making it into something completely different, like a table or a chair. Either way, I am creating something for the benefit of me or somebody else. Whether I am making it as a gift or making it to be sold, I take pride in what I create. If you have a self-confidence issue, which I had, I suggest working with your hands. It can be tedious, but when it’s done, the pride you will feel and the confidence you will have in yourself will surprise you. That is how I benefit mentally from working with my hands.

Physically, woodworking is one of the best things you can do. If you want to help your self-esteem and want to try and get into better shape, take up woodworking. It is a laborious hobby, but the outcome is fantastic. Your muscle mass will grow while you are lugging around the different pieces of lumber, you will sweat a lot - which will take away a lot of extra water weight - and you will definitely drink more water, which is always good. Now that you have a workout plan with woodworking, all you need is a diet to partner with it.

Emotionally, working with my hands keeps me from being angry or depressed. If you have depression, or have anger issues, working with your hands is a great way to cope. Trust me, I have a bit of a temper. When I am working, it goes away. Working with my hands is a gateway out of reality. When I work, I am in control. I know what happens, I decide when it happens, and I can do anything I want. You would not believe how much brighter and happier I am since I’ve started woodworking.

I hope that you take up a hobby. Whether its woodworking or even building a model car once a week. The benefits from it are truly remarkable.