Crochet Your Stress Away: How Your Hobbies Can Be Beneficial To Your Mental Health

Crochet Your Stress Away: How Your Hobbies Can Be Beneficial To Your Mental Health

Fresh out of nursing school, I jumped straight into a fast-paced, highly stressful job in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It was extremely rewarding, but mentally (and physically) it was draining. Learning not to take work home with me took time and practice. Racing thoughts like, "Did I do all I could for my little patients? Did I forget to tell the oncoming nurse something? I hope they are doing well..." filled my head, and relaxing would take a while.

A few months into the job, my close friend came over with her crochet needle and yarn. As we sat and talked about updates in our lives, I watched her do the repetitive motions of making a scarf, stitch by stitch. I was transfixed.

"That looks so relaxing," I told her. The next thing I knew, she was giving me a crochet needle and yarn.

It was NOT so relaxing at the beginning. It took a month or two to figure out how to even make one stitch. But I stuck with it. Looking back, I realize that during that time, I wasn't bringing work home with me. Gone were the racing thoughts and feelings of inadequacy because when I went home, I was fueled by determination (and stubbornness) to figure out how to crochet a scarf. When I finally was able to, the sense of accomplishment was a thrill!  

As I became better at crochet, I noticed a shift in my mental health. The repetitive motions and focus required to create each stitch were meditative, helping to quiet my mind and allow the stress to melt away.

What I experienced is backed up by science. In 2023, Nature Medicine published a study showing that those who engaged in hobbies had higher life satisfaction, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and overall better well-being. Any hobby, not just crochet, can have a tremendous positive impact on mental health.

The Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies

Engaging in hobbies,whether it's crochet, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, can have positive effects on mental health. Here are some key benefits:

• Stress Reduction : Hobbies provide a distraction from daily stressors, allowing the mind to relax and unwind. The repetitive nature of activities like crochet can induce a state of flow, similar to meditation, which helps reduce anxiety and stress levels.
• Improved Mood : Participating in enjoyable activities releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. This can lead to an improved mood and a sense of well-being.
• Enhanced Focus and Concentration : Hobbies often require a level of concentration that can help improve cognitive function. This focus can also provide a break from negative thought patterns and reduce symptoms of depression.
• Sense of Accomplishment : Completing a project, whether it's a scarf or a painting, provides a sense of achievement and boosts self-esteem. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth.
• Social Connection : Many hobbies can be shared with others, fostering social connections and reducing feelings of loneliness. Joining a crochet group or attending a painting class can provide a sense of community and support.

Incorporating Hobbies into Your Routine

I find that in some seasons of life, I can make more time for crocheting than others. Finding time to engage in your hobby can be difficult with everything life throws at you! That’s why intentionally setting time aside each week to engage in the hobby you enjoy is important and can make a significant difference in your mental health.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Start Small : Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the activity.
• Set Realistic Goals : Focus on the process rather than the end result. Enjoy the journey of learning and creating.
• Make it a Habit : Schedule regular time for your hobby, just as you would for any other important activity. Consistency is key to unleashing the mental health benefits.

Conclusion

Hobbies like crochet can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental health. By incorporating enjoyable activities into your routine, you can create a balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, it's not about being perfect at your hobby; it's about finding joy and relaxation in the process.

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References

Mak, H. W., Noguchi, T.,Bone, J. K., Wels, J., Gao, Q., Kondo, K., Saito, T., & Fancourt, D.(2023). Hobby engagement and mental wellbeing among people aged 65 years andolder in 16 countries. Nature Medicine, 29(9),2233–2240. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02506-1

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