Crocheting, knitting, and other similar forms of needlework are great ways to pass the time.
Some of us may mistakenly attribute it to old folks, sitting in rocking chairs, making scarves and sweaters to pass the time and keep their hands occupied.
But there’s no age requirement for a hobby like this one.
It’s so rewarding to work with your hands and create something personal and unique from scratch, all by yourself.
Seeing a beautiful finished product is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face and make them feel like their hard work was more than just worth it.
But not only is crocheting a fantastic way to pass the time and create beautiful, wearable works of art that you can show off and gift to others, but it can actually also be extremely beneficial for your mental health.
And no, this isn’t just a random statement – it’s a scientifically proven fact.
The University of Wollongong in Australia has released a study that actually links better mental health to the act of crocheting, so there’s no evidence that backs up the idea that this form of needlework and creation is great for you.
The study was conducted through interviews.
These interviews involved 8,000 people who considered crocheting to be a hobby.
Of all these people, a whopping 99% of them were women, with half of those women sitting at the age range of between 41 and 60.
The study revealed that crocheting could have an extremely positive effect on personal well-being.
Knit & Crochet Blog
Apparently, crocheting can improve the strength of memory, the ability to focus, and even provide some relief from anxiety and depression to a certain extent.
This would make it an incredible method for self-care if more people were to utilize it.
70% of those interviewed said that crocheting helped them improve their memory, and a huge 82% considered themselves less stressed out and happier after taking up the pastime.
It is hoped that these findings can raise awareness of the feasibility and benefits of crocheting, encouraging others to shirk old perceptions of the hobby and feel free to take it up as a self-care method should they feel so inclined.
The Great Courses
While these findings are surprising, they’re also not 100% new and unknown, either, as a link has been made before this that suggests mental health can be improved by all sorts of crafting activities.
These ideas were first aired by Catherine Carey Levisay, a clinical neuropsychologist, back in 2015 when she discussed the importance of crafting to the mind.
Levisay said that there is a good amount of evidence that supports the idea that crafting and creating can be beneficial in many ways.
It can release dopamine, which is a natural antidepressant, and the act of making something fulfilling provides a positive jolt to the brain’s reward center.
Pixabay
Many crafters have known for years that their activities were making them happier, healthier people – and with science to support it, there’s no reason not to start creating!
You don’t have to crochet – you can knit, quilt, or sew, too.
And if needlework isn’t your thing, any form of creation, whether cooking, decorating, photography, art, or music, can provide similar positive effects.
So what are you waiting for? Get your crocheting kit now!