There are lot more reasons to start crochet than you might think. Not only that it is fun, creative and relaxing, there are numerous ways crocheting can help you improve your health.
Here is a list of health issues that can be improved by crocheting, knitting and other needle crafts:
- Stress relief
One of the greatest health benefits of needlework is that it can help you prevent and reduce stress. Due to the repetitive motion of crochet stress can be reduced.
- Memory Loss and Alzheimer
Studies show that those who are crocheting, knitting and sewing tend to have 50% less decrease in memory loss than those who arent. Isn’t that great news ?!
- Depression, Anxiety and Pain
Crochet is a focused activity that keeps both the mind and the hands busy.
This can help to reduce the effects of depression and reduce anxiety as well as lower your blood pressure.
Also some studies suggest that the repetitive work of crocheting may release serotonin to the body. Serotonin levels play an important role in pain management as well as in the treatment of depression.
Personally I also experienced that crocheting is helpful with anxiety issues, it helps me get out of the vicious circle of thinking and overthinking again and focus my mind on something different and delightful.
- Self esteem
The whole thing about chosing the right project/design, the colours, the fiber you want to work with and of course creating something new and individual with your own hands does wonders for your self esteem.
- Social Benefits
Of course, there are also social benefits. Crocheting connects you to people in different ways:
- to those you crocheted an item for
- to other crocheters in groups
- to a huge online community of crocheters
This kind of connection can also help to break the ice therapeutic groups.
Kathryn Vercillo, blogger and author of the book „Crochet Saved My Life“, has a lot of articles about the health benefits and therapeutic effects of crochet on her blog. Read more about this topic here.
On the other hand, crochet and knitting can also do some harm to our bodies. Here is a list of issues that may be caused by crocheting and tips on how to help with it:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Repetitive Strain Injury
Caused by the repetitive movement and the tension of holding yarn and needle, this syndrome leads to pain and/or numbness in the fingers and wrists.
Frequent breaks and hand stretches can help a lot here:
Top 5 Stretches for Pain Relief
- Pain
Sitting and looking down on your work for hours can lead to pain in your neck, back and arms.
Here are some tips on the right positioning (found on Petals to Picots):
- Make sure you have a comfortable chair with good back support
- Place your feet flat on the floor and your knees level with or slightly higher than your hips; use a footstool if necessary
- Sit up straight!
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and your project in your lap.
- Eye strain and Headaches
Keeping your eyes focused on your project for too long can lead to eye strain and even headaches. Make sure you are working under good lighting and make frequent breaks to relax your eyes and change your focus every now and then by looking at something more distant (look out the window ect,).
Read more about crochet health concerns here.
This article only shows a summary of some effects of crocheting on your body and mind.
Have you experienced any positive or negative effects due to crocheting ?
Which positive effect do you like the most ?
Happy Yarning
Veronika