Taking care of one's mental hygiene is of crucial importance especially in these stressful times where there seems to be no end to the covid, and the shift in our lives has taken a dramatic turn.
It has been scientifically proven that any crafts (crochet / knitting / DIY projects) have an incredibly beneficial effect on mental health. Crocheting makes people calmer, happier, more relaxed and better able to focus. What makes crochet a yoga for the mind is that it allows us to become completely immersed in the present moment and makes us achieve mindfulness, giving the mind a break from worries about the past / future, thus allowing the brain and body to rejuvenate, refresh and reset themselves.
Most important benefits of crochet:
1) relieves depression and fights insomnia
2) reduces stress, anxiety and restlessness
3) reduces and postpones dementia
4) boosts confidence and self-esteem
Crochet for me has a great therapeutic effect. Being a teacher is not only exhausting, but stressful as well. Coming home to a crochet project and diving into lovely stitches and patterns lets me unload the burden of the day and unwind. The beautiful projects that emerge from these crochet sessions are even more rewarding and fulfilling.
How do you feel about crochet (or any other craft you do)? Does it help?
21 comments:
We creative types are blessed to have our crafts to enjoy, aren't we. I find my sewing (especially slow hand stitching), knitting.....lulls me into a happy place where my mind thinks upon pleasant things. My mind, for a little while, can put on hold the stresses of this world; a world which is getting crazier with each new day. With needle and thread in hand and gazing upon whatever pretty I am stitching, I am a contented gal.
So beautifully said, Kim! I think it is relatable to all crafters out there.
What makes crochet, knitting, needlepoint, and any other repetitive motion activity calming is the repetitive activity. It allows our mind to slow down to the pace of the repetition, and that takes the place of all of the other thoughts and worries bouncing through our brain. It takes half of our concentration, but allows us to continue to listen to others, watch a TV show or movie, and still produce. I find that when I need to visit someone who has the potential to annoy me, crochet keeps me from getting upset, as I can continue to concentrate on the work in my hands, not just the words coming out of people's mouths. There are many other therapeutic outcomes from handiwork also, but this is my favorite.
I think that once you learn knitting/crocheting it can be a stress reliever and relaxing. My daughter wants to learn how to crochet once she is done with college. She loves looking at all of the cute projects people share on Tik-Tok and then sends them to me. LOL.
I agree it helps so much relieve stress! With not being able to be with family right now it fills up my time so it passes quickly! The results are beautiful things to share with loved ones.
I couldn't help but laugh at the last one. I should try though and do that when I enter into a heated conversation, lol!
You are so lucky, Julie. My greatest wish is to pass on this highly rewarding skill (crochet) to my daughter, but sadly she shows no interest in learning. My niece on the other hand loves to crochet, so I have a family member to teach more :)
So true, Carm! The feeling of accomplishment is precious and gets topped over if your family loves what you make them! At keast it does for me :)
*least
You are absolutely right when you state the link between crafting and mental health. I paint or craft when I have a headache for a long time, even migraine and it seems to help in coping with pain.
I only wish I had learned to crochet earlier in my life. It is a great relaxing skill that I could have used in my younger years as a way to keep calm and crochet on as the saying goes.
Seriously? I never tried painting or other crafts when my migraines hit! Luckily, I catch it before it gets into full mode and I've been migraine free for years now.
It is never late Sheltie! My older colleagues at work (60+) have been urging me to start a crochet workshop for them, and hopefully we'll get it going once we are covid free.
Amen to all of that, sometimes you just need to step back from everything and lose yourself in a little bit of time just making something with your hands. Crochet is perfect for this I think.
You've found a way to create beauty during your therapy, Maya! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
You are so right Maya. Blessings.
Great post Maya and I totally agree with you.
We all need more of this therapy ♥
Thank you for sharing this post at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I'm delighted to be featuring it at the party tomorrow night and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Any type of crafting is such a good way to focus, relax and de-stress!
LOVE this article! Hope lots of people visit you this week from Friendship Friday at Create With Joy (where we're celebrating your creativity as our Friend of the Week!) :-)
I find crocheting very relaxing, it is my way to meditate.
I am much obliged for the feature, Joy! Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing, Pilch!
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