Health Benefits of Crocheting

Crocheting is an inexpensive hobby, that not only helps you to pass the time, but it is also very good for helping you to relax and let go of things. And believe it or not, but crocheting on a regular basis can have its health benefits. It can help to relieve stress at all levels, improve one’s self image and provide you with a sense of accomplishment.

Crocheted items make for great gifts, but it is always a pleasure to make something for yourself as well. You can also sell your finished items or give them away to charity organizations.

And although crocheting can be time consuming, it is a craft that you can pack into a bag and take with you wherever you go. You can crochet in waiting rooms, on the bus, at the park, the beach, or basically anywhere you want.

It is fairly easy to learn how to crochet. And once you get started, it can be addictive. If you are interested in learning, you can visit my other hub entitled “Tips for Learning How to Crochet” for some basic guidelines on how to get started.

Now, as promised, here are some of the health benefits of crocheting:

One of the greatest benefits that I have experienced from crocheting is that it relieves stress, including physical, mental and emotional stress. It helps to put the stressors into a dark corner where they belong, and allows your mind to focus on something worthwhile.

And by relieving stress, crocheting can help to ward off a number of stress related illnesses. I have no scientific proof for this, but when you do the math it adds up in my mind.

This may not hold true for everyone, but most people do not feel satisfied within themselves unless they have accomplished something. Putting the final touches on a crochet project can give you that sense of accomplishment.

A sense of accomplishment in return can help to boost your self-esteem, which is very important in today’s society. You never want your self esteem to rise too high, but you have to have a sense of self-worth.

Believe it or not, but crocheting can help with weight loss. Perhaps not directly, but it can help in providing you an alternative for when you feel like snacking on junk. Often times, the reason we snack on junk is because we are bored, and we have nothing else to do.

This is especially true when we are watching T.V. because it is hard to just sit there and stare at a box, especially with all the food commercials. Crocheting during this time can help to keep both the fingers and mind occupied with something useful, so that when the food commercials come on, they have no power over you. As a result, you won’t have to worry about putting on any extra pounds. I am living proof of this.

It doesn’t take a great mind to crochet, but crocheting can help to preserve a great mind. Crocheting often requires you to focus on the project by counting your stitches and remembering stitch sequences, both of which are helpful in stimulating and strengthening the mind.

Another benefit of crocheting, is that it gives you a reason to get out and socialize with other like-minded individuals.

A mindless crochet pattern is a great way to tire the body while relaxing the mind so that you can fall into a deep and peaceful sleep. A good night’s sleep in return has a host of other benefits for your health.

Negative side effects of crocheting can result in a stiff and aching neck, shoulders and upper back. The repetitive motion can also be hard on the wrists and fingers. To avoid these negatives from occurring, it is advised to practice crochet in moderation. :) You can also refer to my other hub on “How to Prevent Injury While Crocheting” for some tips on how to make it easier on you.

Happy Crocheting!!