Crochet as Self-Care: Why Making Something with Your Hands Helps

I’m left-handed. So what? I know, it’s not really a big deal, but when you want to learn a craft as a child and the parent responsible for teaching you is right-handed, that might pose a problem with certain hobbies: like crochet. My mother tried her best to teach me, but eventually we gave up and I took to trying to learn it myself alone in my room. I think I made a net for my ballet hair bun and didn’t really pick up the hobby until years later.

Okay, decades later.

Now, in mid-life, I’ve made blankets, coasters, shawls, toys, and even a sweater. I was able to pick up crochet again thanks to the wonderful amount of information and tools available on the internet and social media like YouTube. I have always been the artsy type. I’ve dabbled in painting, writing, drawing, photography, and sewing, but crochet is a hobby I have been successful at and truly enjoy. The best part is? Crochet can be part of your self-care routine, because choosing a hobby has been proven to improve your mental health!

“Hobbies — such as arts and crafts, games, gardening, volunteering, or participating in clubs — involve creativity, sensory engagement, self-expression, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation, which are linked to good mental health and well-being.” – Harvard Health Publishing

I find that crochet helps with my anxiety and gives me something to look forward to every day with the added benefit of a tangible finished product to show the fruits of your labor. My brain likes to see the result of hard work right away, not in years, and most crochet projects can be finished in a matter of months or less. Way less. For example, you can crochet a hat in a few hours or make a small keychain. You can make a scarf in a week or two depending on your speed and consistency. The more you practice, the better and faster you will get at crocheting.

As for the actual technique, you might find the repetitive motions and counting of stitches and rows semi-meditative. Certain crochet patterns are easier to follow and contribute to a more meditative practice. For example, look for crochet patterns labeled “1 row repeat”. This means that whatever stitches are used in one row will be used for the length of the project.  Stick to basic stitches like single and double crochet too, because you will have to concentrate less on getting pattern and stitch combinations right and more on completing your row.

Once you build confidence, you could consider using a website like MeetUp to find a local crochet group and crochet with others. This is another area where having a hobby could benefit your mental health. The potential to interact with other people that share similar interests could potentially benefit you.

“Hobbies contribute to personal development and offer mental health benefits, including stress reduction, increased life satisfaction, enhanced connections, stronger relationships and opportunities for socialisation, and community building.”- Psychosomatic Medicine

My therapist often tells me how important it is to have a community outside of your immediate family and/or your spouse. Socialization is still something that I am working on, to be honest, as I have always been an introvert. But starting a hobby like crochet might be just what you need. This also counts for all fiber crafts like knitting, spinning, needlepoint, etc. I just happen to enjoy crochet. What type of hobbies do you enjoy and how have they helped your mental health? Let me know in the comments.