🧵 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Crocheting You Might Not Know

Hi everyone, I recently read an article called “7 (Surprising) Health Benefits of Crocheting” by Julia Wiatr, editor for AllFreeCrochet.com, and I found it both fascinating and relatable. Some of the benefits were ones I already knew, while others completely surprised me. 1. Crocheting Helps with Insomnia This one makes perfect sense to me. Crocheting is such a relaxing and repetitive activity that it naturally helps you wind down. Sometimes, if I’m not feeling tired—and the cats aren’t bothering me—I’ll crochet until my eyelids get heavy. 2. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety No surprise here! Crocheting relaxes me far more than the deep breathing techniques many in the medical field recommend. When I pick up my hook, I can get lost in what I’m making, and it clears my mind of stress. 3. It Can Ease Depression This one I didn’t know. According to the article, “When we do something we like, our brains release dopamine, a chemical that affects our emotions and functions like a natural anti-depressant.” It makes sense—doing something creative and enjoyable can lift your mood in powerful ways. 4. It May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Another surprise: crocheting can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 30–50%. The article explains, “By engaging in cognitive exercises and stimulating your mind, you can slow down or even prevent memory loss.” Learning a new stitch or following a detailed pattern keeps your brain active and healthy. 5. Crocheting Builds Self-Esteem Low self-esteem is something many people struggle with. Crocheting gives you a way to be completely creative—whether following a pattern, designing your own, or experimenting with colors and textures. Every finished project is an accomplishment. 6. It Can Be a Form of Group Therapy While I’m not sure how many therapists include crocheting in sessions, it does make sense that creating something in a group setting could be therapeutic. Sharing the experience, exchanging tips, and supporting each other’s creativity can be uplifting. 7. You’re in Complete Control From the pattern you choose, to the yarn fiber, to the color palette—you’re the one making the decisions. Whether it’s acrylic, cotton, or something fancy, crocheting gives you the freedom to create on your own terms. After reading this article, I’m even more convinced that crochet is more than just a hobby—it’s a wellness tool, a creative outlet, and in some cases, even a form of therapy. If you haven’t tried crocheting yet, maybe it’s time to pick up a hook and see what benefits you discover for yourself.