Yes, I so love the feeling of really beautiful, soft, and (mostly) natural yarn between my fingers. It calms me. It forces me to slow down, to think of others, and to visualize how gorgeous the project that I’m working on will be when it grows up. I spend hours thinking of the person that I’m making it for. I picture them seeing it for the first time and thinking, “This is beautiful, and it’s filled with Sharon’s prayers, wishes, thoughts. Or generally good Mojo.”
When I’m feeling a little down or worried or anxious or even happy, I crochet. I can’t seem to help myself. I compare it to meditation. The rhythm, counting and muscle memory puts me into a peaceful, almost trance-like state. It provides a creative outlet and when I’m done, I have something beautiful and useful. Yes…I’m a yarnaholic with a 2-skein a day habit. So as a way to justify getting my daily fix, I thought I’d look into the benefits of yarn crafts. These are just a few that I found.
Benefits of Yarn Between Your Fingers
- Your Mind
- Reduce Anxiety
- Improve Concentration
- Stimulate the Mind
- Decrease Symptoms of Depression
- Reduce or Postpone Dementia
- Balance Mood
- Your Body
- Improve Motor Skills
- Lower Stress and Reduce Stress-Related Diseases
- Prevent Arthritis
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Stop Smoking Aid
- Relieves Insomnia
- Your Spirit
- A Sense of Accomplishment & Pride
- Better Mindfulness & Meditation
- Reflection & Prayer
- Comfort during Times of Grief or Fear
- Charity Involvement
- Build Community
Yes…studies show that creative projects like knitting and crocheting can lead to long-term happiness and well-being. Sign me up! All of this may be why yarn crafts are making a comeback with over 38 million people in the United States knitting or crocheting! I like to start my projects at home in a quiet environment, but after that, grab your yarn and your needles or hook and head outside. I crochet at the doctors’ office, on a park bench, at the airport, or sitting on the beach. It never fails that someone will come over and start a conversation about what I’m making and what they like to do. Plus, with all the meet-ups out there, you can definitely expand your circle of fellow crafters!
Want to learn more?
- This is Your Brain on Crafting (CNN) – click here
- Crocheting Saved My Life: The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Crochet (book by Kathryn Vercillo) – Click here
- The Creativity Cure: How to Build Happiness with Your Own Two Hands (Book by Carrie & Alton Barron) – click here
- The Yarn Whisperer: Reflections of a Life in Knitting (Book by Clara Parkes) – click here
- The Truth About Knitting & Crochet…They’re Good for You! (Craft Yarn Council) click here
