Six Health Benefits of Knitting and Crochet That Will Surprise You

You’ll be surprised to learn some unexpected benefits of this classic activity.

If you have been crocheting for as many years as we have, you’ve probably felt the many benefits of doing so, especially when it comes down to reducing stress and relaxing. We are sure there is nothing that beats an afternoon curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, a ball of yarn and our crochet hook. With that said, we were very surprised to find out just how much our favorite activity is benefiting not only our own health, but many others out there!

1. Boosts self-esteem

The act of creating tangible, useful and beautiful products enhances self esteem. Just think about how amazing you feel when you give someone that handmade item you worked so diligently to create!

2. Lowers heart rate and blood pressure

We all know crocheting helps us relax, but while it’s reducing the harmful cortisol levels, it’s simultaneously lowering heart rate and blood pressure. That’s what we call a win-win.

3. Improved math skills

Did you know the process of following instructions on complex craft projects can improve a child’s math skills? It’s true! We’ll take any and all advice to help our kiddos math grades improve!

4. Quit smoking

Think about it, for so many smokers, they continue the habit because it keeps their hands busy. Take away the cigarette and replace it with some yarn and a crochet hook, and watch as their bad habit disappears and is replaced with a fulfilling activity.

5. Reduced mindless snacking

With the same idea as smoker’s quitting, when we give our hands something else to do, we’re better able to keep our hands out of the bag of potato chips or bowl of candy we’re mindlessly snacking.

6. Helps stave off memory loss

A reduced chance of developing mild cognitive impairment, memory loss and reduction in brain function is a big winner in our books and more reason to keep at this habit for many, many more years.