The interest in web design has increased hugely over recent years, not only as a prospective career path, but as a hobby too.
There are various reasons for this, from building skills in order to create our own websites to unlocking our creative streaks. In fact, in the case of the latter, it can prove a truly therapeutic hobby.
More and more health professionals are encouraging people with mental health conditions, whether that be depression, anxiety or even trying to overcome addiction in drug rehab, particularly for younger people who are more technologically aware and developed. But why exactly is web design a hobby that can offer therapeutic qualities?
It Unlocks Creative Expression and Artistic Freedom
At its core, web design is an artistic endeavor that allows individuals to unleash their creativity and express themselves visually.
Whether it be choosing colour palettes, crafting layouts or using the many other creative methods available in web design, designers have the freedom to shape their digital canvas.
The results of it provide a real sense of accomplishment, no matter what type of website you are designing, and can be a truly therapeutic outlet for self expression.
What’s more, you can be expressive in what you use a website for. For example, many people who are going through therapy may use web design not only as a way to unlock their creative freedom, but also the use the site itself as a form of therapy, diarising or blogging about their progress, thoughts and getting everything down in written form as a release.
Interestingly, if you publish it you may even inspire others to do the same, becoming part of a really important community in many people’s lives.
It Can Aid Focus and Mindfulness
You have to concentrate fully when designing web pages and websites, with a real eye for detail required.
This can act as a form of mindfulness, and can be a good alternative to the likes of yoga if that’s not necessarily within a person’s interests.
Web design allows people to really immerse themselves, working on every element of a site from the layout to the fonts used and images showcased.
For those that are suffering with mental health, experts commonly encourage forms of mindfulness as a way to improve focus, clarity and reduce stress.
Finding that often comes from hobbies and what people enjoy doing, including the likes of exercise, art, music and reading.
These all carry common traits with web design as they require concentration and really require you to be in the present, which can be hugely beneficial on easing the stresses from the outside world and revisiting them with more clarity.
Help Develop Problem-Solving and Technical Skills
For people suffering with high levels of anxiety and addiction especially, developing problem solving skills is a key part of coping with their condition.
These can be developed in web design, with the process containing many challenges that need solving.
By overcoming such challenges, it provides a stimulating and rewarding feeling, with the route in getting to the solution able to be utilized in other areas of a person’s life.
People Can Become Part Of A New Community
For people suffering with various mental health conditions, joining a web design community, whether it be online or in an evening class or elsewhere can help turn a hobby into being part of a new community.
This can act as a really useful support group, not only helping with various web design problems, but creating friendships that can support in all parts of a person’s life, as well as being a great escape from the stresses of everyday life.
There are many classes you’ll find in local towns, while sites such as Reddit are great for becoming a part of a community when it comes to web design and development.
It Can Help With Portfolio Building and Future Opportunities
Finally, while it can act as a therapeutic experience, there are also positive feelings to be taken from learning a new skill, not just in the achievement of it, but also the fact that you’re building a portfolio and helping open doors to future opportunities too.
It’s all in the name of progress and continually moving in the right direction is hugely beneficial to a person’s mental health.
Of course, you don’t necessarily want to put pressure on that, but it’s something to think about and channel in a more positive light than you may other forms of work, which may actually be causing the stress you’re undergoing in the first place.
