Health Benefits of Crochet

this article was written by Sedruola Maruska  and posted on her website http://yarnobsession.com/author/sedruola/.   Thought it worthy of sharing.

Health Benefits of Crochet

I think by now we’ve all heard of the health benefits of crochet. We know that they are there and vaguely think of what they are. But, I want to take some time to let you know exactly what the health benefits of crochet are. Why? Because when we know things more specifically, we tend to value and be more focused on it (notice I said ‘tend to’, not always true, but I’m hoping). Besides, it helps me to know too for those times when I’m tempted to put my hook down and let life get in the way of my craft time.

Relieves Stress

One of the big things is that crochet helps to relieve stress. The repetitive motion of crochet helps reduce the effects that stress can bring on and therefore help you to relax and manage your stress better.

Lower Memory Loss

We all know that as we get older and accumulate more information in our brains there tends to be some memory loss. However, studies have show that those engaged in knitting, crochet and sewing tend to have almost 50% less decrease in memory loss than their counterparts. Yay for all those stitch counts and calculations!

Helps Relieve Depression

I did an article last year on how crochet makes us better and the whole idea was how as crocheters we have found that crochet has helped us overcome some of the most difficult times in our lives simply by doing it. It is now scientifically proven that crochet helps alleviate depression because it helps lower anxiety and blood pressure giving us an escape from that with ails.

Helps Relieve Pain

This was new for me, but it turns out that crochet may also help alleviate pain. Just as it helps lower stress and relieve depression, the rhythmic and repetitive motion of crochet may help relieve pain in various areas of the body. Isn’t that wonderful?!
Basically, the benefits of crochet are many and truly just being discovered. Knowing and practicing crochet can benefit you in ways you didn’t even know when you picked up that hook to try. Sending something crochet to a loved one that hasn’t heard from  you in some time may help open up lines of communication. Picking up the hook and doing a few rows can help diffuse a situation when you really need to think things through.

For those who need references:

http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/health

http://www.crochetspot.com/studies-show-knitting-and-crocheting-is-good-for-your-health/