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| Photo Credit: all pictures in this blog post by Kathryn of Crochet Concupiscence |
This is a guest post by Kathryn Vercillo, blogger at Crochet Concupiscence and author of several books including Crochet Saved My Life* and Mandalas for Marinke*.
1. Crochet boosts serotonin.
Studies show that knitting and crochet both help release serotonin in the body, leading to a wide host of health benefits. The major benefit is that this is a natural anti-depressant. Many people are saying that crochet is a great adjunct to conventional therapy; there are countless reasons for this and serotonin release is one of them. Serotonin is also a natural pain-reliever and studies show that crochet can help with chronic pain conditions.
2. Crochet offers a positive distraction.
The value of this can’t be underestimated in terms of both physical and mental health. Taking your mind off of chronic pain can help it seem like it goes away, adding to the natural pain-relief properties of the craft’s serotonin release. Breaking the ruminating cycles of the mind with crochet adds to the reduction of depression. Any time that you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelm, it can help to pick up your crochet hook and focus on a project.
3. There are proven benefits to color therapy and yarn is colorful.
Looking to relax? Try working with a soothing blue yarn. Feeling low on energy? Grab some red wool. Of course, there are many detailed things to learn about color therapy, and you can delve into that if you want to, but you can also just trust your gut when it comes to finding the yarn colors that make you feel good. Take out a few skeins of yarn, one at a time, and gaze at them long enough to see what noticeable changes there are in your mood. This information can help you get out of any rut.
4. Crochet is a tactile craft.
Crochet means that you are working with fiber, which can have such a great impact on your skin. The soft touch of a perfect baby alpaca yarn can soothe your soul on the darkest of days. Feeling numb because of pain or illness? Try a rougher fiber like jute to get yourself grounded back into your body.
In addition to the feeling of the fiber itself, pay attention to the benefits of the motion of the craft. The rhythmic creation of crochet stitches is soothing for the body. Yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through … it offers a meditative sensation that helps lull you out of anxiety and into ease.
5. Making something with your hands boosts self-esteem.
There are many days when illness leaves you feeling worthless. Whether it’s depression, chronic pain or just a cold that’s been hanging on for a few days, it can be immensely frustrating to feel like you can’t do anything productive. Crochet is a craft that you can do from your bed with limited energy. And yet, crochet allows you to create beautiful, functional items that you can use, gift or sell. What a great way to battle the blues that come with feeling like you’re not getting anything done because you’re “too sick”.
You don’t have to have a reason to crochet other than the fact that you enjoy it. Nevertheless, it feels good to know that there are many excellent benefits to the craft!
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I would like to thank Kathryn for such an interesting blog post. I am sure it will be helpful for many people, and hopefully more crafters will turn to crochet? :) Want to read more articles by Kathryn? Visit her website HERE and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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This is so true! After my husband watching me the last couple years more closely - - he had shoulder surgery in September. His mind was going miles a minute with worry - money, pain, therapy, stress... I asked if he wanted to try - he said sure. Simple single and double crochet lap blankets and neck warmers... His mind has slowed down. It's relaxed him. His therapist said it's good for his shoulder (relaxing, repetitive motion). He's 'hooked'! He loves the long color changes, so he goes yarn shopping WITH me now to pick his out. He has gifted blankets to people. Now he's making to create just to give away as occasions come up. We love it together! Mary-Jo (and Bob)
ReplyDeleteVery very true - I was physically and mentally very low and took up crochet again after many years to make Sophie's Universe. This has been SO therapeutic in many ways. I have discovered all the wonderful bloggers out there, realised how many beautiful patterns there are now, made some lovely appreciated presents and made a lot of friends.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. Health
ReplyDeletewow
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