Do it yourself (DIY) projects are becoming more and more popular. People have a growing interest in learning how to do things themselves, rather than relying on others. But why is this trend sweeping the nation? There are many reasons! Here are some of the benefits of DIY, and why so many people are choosing to do things themselves.
DIY is an all-encompassing phrase that means different things to different people. Usually, it has something to do with fixing up your home in a way that you are not professionally experienced in. It might mean putting up shelves and building a piece of furniture from scratch. It could mean remodeling your kitchen, or fixing some cracks in your walls. Or it might even mean laying a patio in your yard, or building a pergola.
DIY usually has an element of self-teaching about it. If you’re not an expert in it or don’t do it as a job, there may be a fair bit of internet searching to figure out exactly what it is you need to do for your particular project. Often DIY takes us several hours longer that it would take a professional to do!
So despite this, just why is DIY so popular? Here are some of the elements that are contributing to this far reaching social trend.
Cost Savings
Many people choose to do DIY projects in order to save money. And with the cost of living going up significantly at the moment, it’s no wonder there is a particular surge in interest in DIY at the present time.
Hiring a professional for every little repair or update around your home can become very expensive. If you’re handy and have some time, doing it yourself is often a much more cost-effective option. But even if you haven’t had that much experience in DIY projects in the past, what’s to stop you trying? Some people are put off because they don’t think they’re very practical. But the idea of saving some money can be a great pull factor to give it a go.
‘Playing’ With Tools
Of course, using tools is a serious thing and requires a good awareness of safety. But many people love trying out new tools and gadgets. And you’ll need plenty of them if you get into DIY. The type of tools you’ll need depend on the projects you are likely to want to do. If you are thinking about making your own furniture, you will definitely need a larger table saw. But a basic set of screwdrivers, a hammer and a drill will come in handy for lots of different projects around the home too, such as hanging up pictures and putting together flat packed furniture.
There’s a definite satisfaction to be gained from using some of the more impressive tools. But even if it’s just putting up a few shelves, it feels good to be using a drill and screwdriver!
The Sense Of Achieving Something
When you complete a project, whether it’s big or small, there’s a sense of achievement. A job well done is always satisfying. For many people, the feeling that they have accomplished something is a great motivator to start more projects!
Some people are born ‘DIYers’. They love nothing more than getting stuck into a project around the home. For others, it’s something they’ve never really thought about before. But with the current social trend of DIY, more and more people are giving it a try. And once you start, it’s hard to stop!
Getting a sense of accomplishment from DIY projects is more than a skin deep benefit. Research actually shows that people need to a sense of achievement to keep on top of their mental health. Many people do not get a feelings of achievement elsewhere in their lives, whether it’s from their work or their family situation. So taking up DIY as a hobby can be practical and great for the mind too.
Life Learning
When you’re doing a DIY project, you’re often learning new skills. And as we know, life-long learning is important for keeping our minds active and engaged.
You might not think that hanging a few shelves would be teaching you anything new. But learning how to use different tools, reading instructions and following diagrams, measuring and cutting materials all require some level of concentration. And you’re also gaining a sense of achievement as you complete each part of the task.
Whether you’re doing a big project or a small one, there’s always something to learn. If you’re new to DIY, it can feel like a bit of a learning curve to start with. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you catch on.
Remember, learning shouldn’t stop when you leave school! And if you know your job inside out and don’t try new things very often, learning new things through DIY could give your brain the mental stimulation it needs to thrive.
There are plenty of resources available to help you get started with your own DIY projects. YouTube is a great place to start, as there are videos on just about every topic imaginable. You can also find helpful blog posts and articles online. And if you’re still feeling unsure, there are plenty of classes and workshops you can attend to help you get started.