What do you do when you are stressed? You might go on a walk, do some deep breathing exercises, or talk to someone in an effort to help free your body and mind from anxiety. There is no right or wrong way to help you feel more relaxed, it’s different for everybody. Each person reacts to stress and anxiety differently, and that means symptom management is different too. However, one of the best ways to help take our mind off your worries is to pour your thoughts and emotions into a craft.
Studies show that doing a craft or activity of any kind is really beneficial to their mental and physical health. For example, survey results show that 46% of people said they engaged themselves in a creative activity to help relieve their stress and anxiety. Other numbers show that people did something creative because they were bored and wanted to fill time in their days. Out of these creative activities, 19% said they turned to crafting as an outlet for their mental health. These numbers show that it is common for people to express themselves to help regulate their emotions.
One of the best types of crafts to be in tune with your body and mind is crocheting. Crocheting is a great craft because it can be quite difficult. This means, you will put all your focus and energy into your project instead of dwelling on whatever it is that is causing you emotional distress. Crocheting is an avenue to help calm yourself, relax your mind, and spark your creative skills. An activity like this is a great stress-reliever and also helps people practice mindfulness in their everyday lives.
“The best thing about crocheting is that you get out of it, what you put into it. Some people crochet just for fun, or to practice self care, or even to sell their masterpieces in a small business. The more effort you put in to test your skills and try new things, the more opportunities are out there for you to create. There is nothing universal about crafting and that’s what makes it so unique for everybody,” says Corey Pearson, Chief Quilt Artist and Brand Ambassador at Linda’s.
Investing in a creative activity also helps people feel more confident and accomplished in themselves. Taking the time to learn a craft like crocheting gives people something to look forward to and take pride in. This can be a game changer for peoples’ mental health because they can showcase their work and showcase the progress they have made in their personal lives.
It’s also a great form of self expression. Crocheting is not necessarily just your typical blanket or sweater, it can be anything you want it to be. People can take inspiration from their feelings and pour it into their craft. Having a space to use your emotions in a productive way helps your body and mind. Expressing yourself should be promoted in society, and crafting is a more nonchalant way to do so. There are no more barriers when it comes to being in tune with your self expression.
“With crocheting specifically, people have gotten really creative and are breaking the barriers of the crafting world. People are crocheting coasters, bags, sweaters, blankets and even stuffed animals. They can follow patterns or try something completely new, and that’s the great thing about it. People can express their true selves through crocheting. Whatever you set your mind to, crocheting is there to bring it to life,” Pearson says.
The best part about crocheting is that you can really make it your own. Whatever you want to create, whatever is behind the inspiration is all yours. The final project is a labor of love, and that’s exactly why it’s so healing for your body and mind. Its complexity and need for attention is what makes it the ultimate stress reliever. How can you turn your emotions into a creative masterpiece?
