Good day Crafties!
I think if there's one thing me and my Crafty Community have in common, its that you really don't need to give us a reasons to pick up a crochet hook or a pair of needles.
Crochet and knitting have more to offer than the products you make. For me, I picked up the craft during a period of high emotional duress and hopelessness. Growing up, I wasn't allowed to have much of a voice at all and so I deferred to God and the creative arts a lot to make it by from day to day. In a lot of ways, being artistic and have a gift for it has saved my life.
Not everyone picks out a craft for depression though, so here are some additional reasons to jump into the fiber arts right now!
1. It rewires your brain!
Numerous studies show that knitting and crochet over time, improve memory and cognitive function and can be helpful in reducing certain conditions in old age by 30 - 50%! The repetitive nature of the crafts forms new neural pathways in the brain which can strengthen your memory over time, even if you start later on in life.
There's no doubt about it that we spend a lot of focused time, memorizing patterns for one reason or another. Some people even work out while crocheting or knitting (more power to them!) that has to do wonders for the amount of mental processing we can do, right? It's really sort of making different neurological systems play nice together when they normally wouldn't!
2. It's relaxing.
The repetitive nature of the fiber arts lends to a meditative quality that has been known to reduce stress and anxiety. I used to suffer from moderate social anxiety and depression before learning crochet. Being able to spend hours, focusing on one thing that didn't bring me any drama or stress was so refreshing to the point where I eventually mellowed out. Likewise, being able to make cool stuff and show it off with others really helped me to overcome a lot of that anxiety and was also intrinsically fulfilling. Even though it became my job for 7 years, the fact that it still soothes my nerves is undeniable!
My accounts aren't just anecdotal though, studies have shown that the act of stitching lowers cortisol levels, which is the hormone that makes us stress it simultaneously releases serotonin!
3. Its been shown to help with mental illness.
All the science-y stuff aside, the meditative aspect of knitting or crochet allows one to either focus on what is at hand or makes room for rational thought. Most of us sit back for hours and either listen to our favorite sermons or podcasts while we create. This allows for a bit of much needed escapism sometimes. Some professional counselors use crochet or knitting as their go to for helping people with depression. These crafts are also good for reducing anxiety, building self-esteem, working through insomnia & reducing irritability and restlessness.
Not to mention, you can build community around a common hobby, making new and meaningful connections with others!
Source: [6]
4. It builds hand health!
I know I'm going to get someone telling me just the opposite but, when using moderation crocheting and knitting can help prevent arthritis and tendonitis in the hands. The movements lend to building cartilage in the hands which will build them up and make them strong.
Not to mention, we as stitchers employ hand stretches and exercises that we otherwise wouldn't, ensuring healthy function in our hands and wrists.... or at least we should 😉
Source: [7]
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