Crochet can be a great ally for well-being

Lack of enthusiasm, mental fatigue, monotony… Putting an end to these nuisances can be simple and pleasurable. Research proves that crocheting is excellent therapy. Professor Simone Eleotério signs below. “Creating something with your own hands is the possibility to express yourself. It is also a way to increase concentration and, thus, keep brain activity at full speed, keeping us away from illnesses such as depression and Alzheimer’s”, says Simone, who is also a consultant for Linhas Círculo. Learn more about the positive effects of crochet on the body and mind.

Why crochet helps cure and prevent disease

• The activity requires concentration, reasoning and motor coordination, which helps prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Staying intellectually active can also ward off depression and lessen anxiety.
• Performing work changes brain chemistry, lowering stress hormones and increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine. These substances are responsible for feelings of well-being and pleasure.
• Repetitive movements lower blood pressure and create a feeling of relaxation. They still stimulate the agility of the hands.

In hospitals, it is “medicine”

Some hospitals have already adopted the practice of crocheting to ease the tension and anxiety of patients and their families. The General Hospital of Itapevi, in greater São Paulo, participates in the Weaving Life Project🇧🇷 The work is done by volunteers who teach crochet in the sectors of pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry and orthopedics. For Rosana Navajas Barbosa, supervisor of the pediatric area, “the activity can reassure the companion, reflecting on the patient’s well-being”. She tells the case of a mother who resisted her son’s hospitalization: “When she started attending classes, she became more receptive and less aggressive. And the child responded much better to the treatment.” Occupational therapy specialists guarantee that this art therapy is an efficient method, as it stimulates creativity and also serves as an outlet to relieve tension.

The benefits are for everyone

A study carried out by the Catholic University of Brasília proved that the habit of crocheting improves the self-esteem of the elderly. When they feel able to produce something from a thread and a needle, the impacts of aging are reduced: “This activity is a great psychological, social and immunological recovery tool for the elderly. It allows the release of emotions, the improvement of communication, the strengthening of self-image and the rediscovery of their creative potential”, says Maria Heliana Mota Guedes, author of the research. Crocheting also works the muscles and stimulates sight and touch. And it can be practiced from the age of 10.

Crafts free the mind

Crochet is fun, reassuring and stimulates children’s psychomotor development. Schools also began to include the practice in art classes. According to educational psychologist Silvia Amaral, the idea is to divert their attention to a technique that escapes the countless mental tasks they are subjected to on a daily basis. In this way, the little ones discover other sources of pleasure and develop better: “It is a process of liberation. Children spend hours playing video games. Crafts help you relax and look for new ways to have fun,” says the expert.

Men who crochet: prejudice for what?

Whoever says crochet is a woman’s thing is not a good guy. The technique has been taking many men by the hand. Publicist João Ricardo de Abrahão, 29, is one of them.

“Whenever I heard about crochet, I remembered my great-aunt, Eva. For me, this job was just for ladies. Until I found out about the work of my visual artist friend Thiago Rezende, who even created a brand, Homem na Agulha. At the time, he had made a toy-art (artistic toy made to collect) and I thought it was really cool! At the same time, I decided to learn!

He taught me the first few stitches, but I couldn’t get past the basic chain stitch. So I decided to participate in an amigurumi workshop (those little animals made of crochet that look like plush) at Sesc Pompeia, in São Paulo. From then on, my animals began to come to life. Doing each one eases my anxiety. I take the threads and the needle, I focus on the stitches and the head goes away! I spend hours creating… Seeing a simple piece of wool become an amigurumi is an accomplishment.

When I post pictures on social media I get a lot of compliments. There are those who are scared too. A lot of people still think it’s weird for a man to crochet, but I don’t care. In fact, making a difference motivates me! So much so that I’ve crocheted buses, parks and I like it when people notice. The next step is to make a cute blouse! It will be hard work, I know, but the reward will be the pleasure of wearing something made by me. That is priceless.”