Crochet is my main passion and for me it is one of the best hobbies I could have chosen as I find it relaxing, useful, creative and one of the best things to help with my episodes of depression.
Crochet, for those that don’t know is a process of creating fabric from yarn, thread or other strands of material using a crochet hook.
Crocheting, like knitting, consists of pulling loops through other loops, but additionally incorporates wrapping the working material around a crochet hook one or more times. It differs from knitting in that only one stitch is active at any one time (except when doing Tunisian crochet or Broomstick Lace), the stitches are taller and a single crochet hook is used instead of two knitting needles.
The mental and physical benefits that I’ve found with crochet is that it is calming and helps reduce the anxiety that is so often associated with depression. Articles I’ve read online suggest that because crochet is a repetitive action it releases serotonin which is a natural anti-depressant. When I crochet I can create beautiful things by hand while developing new skills which helps build my self-esteem, something which is frequently lost with depression. Making things for myself and for others is rewarding and makes me feel productive, even when I don’t feel like getting out of bed.
Of course all of the above can be achieved by doing other crafts, knitting or writing for example but for me crochet is my craft of choice.
Some of my other passions are genealogy, soul/personal development, tarot and reiki to name a few so if you can’t find me hanging about around here you’ll find me over at www.soul-development.com