This International Women’s Day comes on the heels of an incredible Winter Olympics season where eight of the twelve gold medals won by the US were won by women. Figure skater and gold medalist Alysa Liu is inspiring all of us to prioritize our mental health and find joy through our own art form. Team USA ice hockey goalie Aerin Frankel showed us what strength and focus look like when she faced 99 shots on the goal and only let two slip by her.
These and other achievements remind us that women’s strength isn’t just defined by accomplishments, but by well-being, resilience, and the practices that sustain us mentally and emotionally. One powerful, science-backed self-care tip continues to rise in popularity: crafting for mental health.
From “grandma core” hobbies, such as knitting, painting, and needlework, to traditional DIY crafting like journaling, scrapbooking, sticker making, and t-shirt personalization, women are discovering that hands-on creativity is as fulfilling as it is healing. Crafting supports mental health and self-care, which this Cricut data revealed is especially meaningful for women.
Why crafting matters for mental health and self-care
Women are burnt out
Many women today are overwhelmed by competing roles and responsibilities. According to the Cricut survey data, 60% of women feel overwhelmed in their daily lives. And yet, 65% say they don’t prioritize personal self-care, stress relief, or hobbies as much as they would like. Nearly 72% regularly put the needs of others ahead of their own, leaving little time for mental health and wellness.
Crafting as self-care
In response, women increasingly turn to creative outlets as a form of self-care. The same data shows that 7 in 10 women believe having a creative outlet is important, and 74% consider crafting, creating, or DIY projects to be productive or stress-relieving activities. These insights highlight how closely creativity is tied to women’s mental health and emotional well-being.
The science behind creative outlets
General studies on creativity and mental health add an extra layer to this desire for a creative outlet, showing that hands-on creative activities may:
- Lower stress levels and provide anxiety relief
- Encourage mindfulness and focus through reaching a creative “flow” state
- Improve mood and emotional balance
- Foster confidence through accomplishment
This paints a clear picture: women are drawn to crafting for the sense of calm and personal fulfillment it can bring — a need that remains just as relevant in 2026 as ever.
The power of crafting in a community
Another key takeaway from the Cricut survey was how women are drawing inspiration from each other. 71% of women reported drawing inspiration from and feeling empowered by other women, and 63% reported feeling inspired by friends and family. Clearly, a sense of community is important to women’s overall well-being and sense of satisfaction.
When it comes to crafting, a sense of community is more than just hobby talk; it’s shared empowerment. When women gather, share tips, show progress, and cheer each other on, the creative process becomes a shared experience that pulls us out of our isolation and uplifts us. It’s no wonder so many women enjoy creating thoughtful, personalized gifts for their loved ones or sharing their latest projects in a community space with other makers.
“Crafting is powerful on its own, but crafting in a community is transformational. Inside our Cricut Facebook communities, women from all walks of life come together to learn, encourage, and celebrate one another. It’s a space where beginners feel safe to ask questions, experienced makers generously share their knowledge, and every finished project is met with genuine applause. Beyond the projects, these spaces foster confidence, creativity, and connection. We see women start by sharing a simple card and grow into launching businesses, leading groups, and discovering strengths they didn’t know they had. That kind of encouragement — woman to woman — is incredibly empowering, and it’s what makes our community so special.”
Dewana Rohl, Sr. Manager of Social and Community Marketing
A final thought: Creativity is a quiet revolution
Despite the benefits of creative expression and creative communities, the gap between intention and reality is something many women still feel in 2026, and it’s a call to action. Because self-care isn’t indulgence; it’s resilience. It’s setting up a practice that nurtures emotional health before burnout sets in.
Crafting, for many, can become a gentle but powerful ally in the journey to mental wellness. That’s because, at its core, creativity is more than a vague idea of being “artistic.” Creativity is well-being. It’s connection, strength, and joy. So let’s uplift the creative practices that help women thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially.
This International Women’s Day, let this be an invitation to make.
Make time to create.
Make time to care for yourself and find joy and whimsy in your day-to-day.
Make time to be you.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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