If you are looking for a stress reliever right now, you have come to the right place. I have been using crochet as a stress reliever for a long time now without even knowing it! Once I realized the effects that crochet have on my mental health, I decided to do some more research. I put together my research into this article so you can see exactly how crochet is a stress reliever.
Yesterday, I went to the doctor for my annual checkup and she was asking me all of the standard questions. Do I eat healthy? How much do I workout? Etc. And these questions were all easy to answer until she asked me, “Do you do anything to manage your stress?” I thought about it for a second and then I answered “No, not really.” It wasn’t until she left the room that I realized, duh, I crochet!
Up until that moment I only thought of crocheting as something that I enjoy. Not something that actually has health benefits. So I decided to do some research. I also thought about my own experience with crochet and what makes it so enjoyable.
1. Crocheting Relieves Stress by Keeping Your Mind in the Present Moment
As someone who tends to overthink to the point of anxiety, I am so glad that I started crocheting. At first I thought I enjoyed it because I like the final project, but that is not the whole truth. I also enjoy the process and I think it’s partly because it’s meditative.
When you meditate, you focus your attention on the present moment. Thinking about what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow do not bring peace to the mind. Instead, when you focus on what is happening right now, as you do while crocheting, that’s when you can truly feel peaceful and content.
2. Rhythmic Motions Calm the Mind
This was something that I noticed myself. Then when I went to do some research on the topic, it was confirmed! Those rhythmic or repetitive motions actually do release serotonin in your brain. I’m not a doctor but what I learned about serotonin is that it is a chemical that your brain releases. This chemical helps you regulate anxiety, happiness, and your mood in general. Click here to see my source about serotonin.
3. Crocheting Gives You Something on Which to Concentrate
When you are learning new stitches or reading and deciphering a pattern, your brain is too busy to focus on anything else. Crocheting is the perfect way to get your mind off of something that is bothering you. It also helps combat the general stress that a lot of us are feeling at the moment. Instead, focus on creating with your hands and you will notice your thoughts begin to slow. You just won’t feel as bothered by external factors.
4. Keeps Your Hands Busy
If you’re a fidgeter or nail-biter, you seriously need to start crocheting! For me, moving my hands helps to release any tension and crocheting is the perfect way to do that without being destructive. I have even been crocheting stress balls lately, so it’s a win-win!
Click here to see my source on a few of these points.
5. Crocheting Can Reduce Cortisol Levels (And Therefore Reduce Stress)
In addition to increasing serotonin production, crocheting can reduce cortisol levels in your body. From what I’ve researched, cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone. So, we want to make sure to do what we can to regulate it properly. One such way to regulate it is by doing activities such as crochet. There are many other ways that we can help to regulate cortisol, but when one of those options is sitting on the couch making pretty things, why not go with that?
No matter what is going on in your life at this time, crochet is a great stress reliever. Personally, I always feel simultaneously more relaxed and excited when I sit down to start crocheting. The tactile experience is much different and more satisfying than scrolling social media. If you’re just looking for something to keep you occupied, a creative outlet, or a way to melt some stress away, I highly recommend you start crocheting.
If you’re ready to start crocheting, make sure you check out some of my other posts under the Beginners, Tutorials, and Materials tabs.
