Benefits of crochet: 8 Reasons you should pick-up crochet as a hobby immediately
Crochet is one of the many fiber arts in which fabric is made with a crochet hook and yarn. There used to be a notion (unfortunately there still is) going around that crochet or knitting is a granny’s avocation. If you are one among those few, who still think that crochet isn’t for you, then you should read this article. You will be amazed to know all the benefits of crochet and it is beyond being just a craft.
P.S. Crochet and knitting, both have the same amazing benefits as the other. I used crochet here because I crochet. There is no other prejudice involved. If you are or want to knit, good for you!. You can cherish the same benefits. Someday, I hope to pick up knitting too.
1. Relieves stress
Crochet relieves stress in the comfort of your own space. After a long and stressed day, you can count on crochet to ease your stress and wind down.
The repetitive motion involved in crochet decreases stress hormones and enables the secretion of ‘feel-good hormones’, serotonin and dopamine. Many scientists also believe that the repetitive and rhythmic movements involved in crochet activate the same areas in the brain as meditation and yoga do. Crochet can add a sense of balance to the stress of a high-tech, fast-paced lifestyle.
Check out my Simple Summer Shawl and Wanderlust Shawlette for simple repetitive stitch patterns
2. Calms anxiety and eases depression.
Crochet has a calming effect and is useful in treating insomnia, anxiety, and depression. According to a study done by researchers at the University of Wollongong Australia, crocheting can yield major mental health benefits, including improved focus and memory, and relief from depression and anxiety.
Many people have also stated that crochet has helped them handle and overcome grief and few have even felt happier after starting to crochet. Crochet is also useful in the treatment of asthma, and panic attacks. Also, repetitive movements have also been effective in the management of disruptive behavior and ADHD in children.
Check out what a nurse has to say about the fiber craft HERE
3. Reduces the risks of Alzheimer’s
The American Counselling Association found that crocheting can help those aging who may struggle with dementia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With crochet, there is always something new to learn and develop. Besides, the coordinated movement of hands and eyes develops a new neural network that renders some sort of neuroprotection. Have you heard of neuroplasticity?
4. Helps with self-esteem
How would you feel about something you made yourself? Wouldn’t you pride yourself over it? This is what crochet does, it gives you a sense of self-accomplishment making you realize how worthy and capable you are.
Oftentimes, we need something to remind us of our worth. And crochet exactly does that. Besides, you can as well donate your projects to charity and that provides a sense of purpose. Heavenly isn’t it?
5. Handmade gifts
Well, if you crochet, you can make something. I mean, really something- be it a scarf, a shawl, a blanket, a purse, placements, you name it and you can make it.
Now when you plan on gifts for your loved ones, would you rather buy the gift off some store or put your heart and soul into making one?
You know you can always make your gifts extra-special by adding your personal touch to it. Check out my post on how to plan and make crochet gifts last minute
6. Multi-tasking
There is a contrasting notion on multi-tasking. But while crocheting you can multitask to a decent extent. After getting your pattern familiarized, you can very well multitask.
You can very well crochet while watching television, traveling, having a little chat with your friends, so on and so forth. But, do remember that you can only multitask when you are working on a simple repetitive pattern.
Check out my post on multi-tasking while crocheting for some pro-tips
7. Make new friends
There is no denial to this statement- we live in the era of social media. Agreed? Especially the pandemic has taught use to widen community at the comfort of out homes.
There is a big community, a community of like-minded people, out there waiting to give you a warm welcome.
You have an opportunity to meet new people here, hang out, and crochet. The crochet community is awesome in supporting one another, wherever you are in your crochet journey. Being on any social media platform, you can find many people like you and me.
Who does not want a community to cheer you on, huh?
By the way, follow me on Instagram and tag me while posting my designs.
8. Side hustle
Selling your crochet projects can earn you an extra income on the side even if you have a full-time job. There are several free patterns on the web and on my blog, which you can make and sell.
When you are well-versed in the craft and understand its nuances, you can take a step ahead and start designing your patterns, and of course, sell them. Several designers have a full-time job and do this as a side hustle out of their sheer love for their craft. So, contemplate on it.
Crochet is for everyone. It is a skill with a lot of amazing benefits. Crocheting provides several positive impacts on our daily lives. It can be a part of our emotional well-being as well. Crochet for me has helped overcome grief and tackle self-esteem issues.
Taking up crochet as a hobby can also be a self-care strategy for many of us. So, if you don’t crochet yet, what are you waiting for? Take this as a sign, pick up the craft, and start reaping the benefits of crochet and nourish your soul.
Your craft is your self-care
