How Crocheting Became My Calming Escape from Anxiety

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like a constant buzz in the background of your mind. Finding ways to manage it often means searching for activities that bring focus and peace. For me, crocheting became that unexpected refuge. It transformed from a simple hobby into a powerful tool to calm my racing thoughts and ease my worries.

Discovering the Rhythm of Crochet

When I first picked up a crochet hook, I didn’t expect much. I thought it would be just a way to pass time. But very quickly, I noticed something different happening. The repetitive motion of looping yarn over the hook and pulling it through stitches created a steady rhythm. This rhythm helped slow down my thoughts.

Crocheting requires attention to detail. You have to count stitches, follow patterns, and keep track of your progress. This focus pulls your mind away from anxious thoughts and into the present moment. It’s a form of mindfulness without needing to sit still or meditate.

How Crochet Helps Manage Anxiety

Crochet offers several benefits that make it a natural anxiety reducer:

• Distraction from worries

The concentration needed to crochet shifts your attention away from anxious feelings.

• Sense of accomplishment

Completing even a small project builds confidence and satisfaction.

• Physical relaxation

The gentle hand movements can reduce muscle tension and promote calm.

• Creative expression

Choosing colors and patterns lets you express yourself in a soothing way.

These benefits combine to create a calming effect that lasts beyond the time spent crocheting.

Practical Tips for Using Crochet to Calm Anxiety

If you want to try crocheting to help with anxiety, here are some practical steps to get started:

• Start simple

Choose easy patterns like scarves or dishcloths. This keeps frustration low and enjoyment high.

• Set small goals

Focus on completing one row or section at a time. Celebrate these small wins.

• Create a cozy space

Find a quiet, comfortable spot with good lighting to crochet. This helps you relax physically and mentally.

• Use soothing yarns

Soft, natural fibers can add to the calming experience.

• Incorporate breathing

Try to breathe slowly and deeply while crocheting to enhance relaxation.

Personal Story: From Overwhelm to Calm

At my most anxious moments, my mind would race with “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Sitting still felt impossible. When I started crocheting, I didn’t expect it to help with that. But as I worked on a simple blanket for my daughter, I noticed my breathing slowed and my thoughts quieted.

The repetitive stitches became a kind of meditation. I wasn’t trying to solve problems or plan ahead. I was just creating. This break from mental chaos gave me space to feel calmer and more grounded.

In January of 2020, my daughter, Julianna, was diagnosed with 2 types of brain cancer. My world turned upside down. She was just 11, and she was also autistic. She couldn't understand what was happening to her, and we decided not to tell her everything, so she could have some hope of getting better. This was all happening during Covid, and my husband had lost his job of 35+ years, to boot. We had many operations to get her through, and I was practically living at the hospital that first year. It was an extremely anxious time for all of us, but for me especially. You see, during that time, only 1 parent was allowed to live at the hospital, and that was me. i had to make all the decisions for the operations and treatments she would get, while keeping Julianna's spirits up.

Julianna was the bravest girl. I don't know if I could have been that brave, if it was me. You see, she just kept getting hit with one problem after another. After her first surgery to remove one of her tumors, and to biopsy the other, she had a devastating complication. She couldn't feel her legs anymore. She could feel if you touched her, but she said that they were numb. We tried to get her physical therapy, but she just couldn't stand anymore, or walk. And the therapy itself was upsetting her, making her angry because she just couldn't do the things she used to do anymore. We decided not to stress her out more than we had to, so we did exercises with her instead. We made sure that her muscles didn't atrophy for as long as possible. She did well for a couple years, but she got very sick at one point and she had to stop doing the exercises for a few weeks. That was all it took for the muscles in one of her legs to atrophy to the point of not being able to fully extend that leg. So she spent the last 3 1/2 years of her young life in bed mostly. We took care of her around the clock like a labor of love. I spent every moment I could with her at home and at the hospital. I had to bring my yarn with me everywhere we went just to keep my nerves steady.

But the crazy thing was that Julianna and I began to have fun with it. Everytime I ordered some more yarn and it came in the mail, I would show it to her. She wanted to squish every skein and name all the yarn colors with crazy whim! So, naturally, I became obsessed with yarn and my stash grew by leaps and bounds! Honestly, though, my stash of yarn started to take over my home, and my pocket, so I've had to cut back on buying new stuff. Plus, with Julianna gone now, it's just not the same enjoyment. It's actually kind of sad when I do order anything new. I really just like to go through my yarn bins and remember when she and I used to name the different colors. I always seem to find yarns that I had forgotten about. And as I squish them and remember Julianna's joy with such simple things, it relaxes my anxiety, too.

My anxiety just keeps coming, though. And I have to honestly say that crocheting is the only thing that calms me these days. Yes, I have medicine I can take, but it makes me very tired, so that's really only good if I want to sleep. There are plenty of ways to calm yourself if you have anxiety, but my favorite is crocheting.

How Crochet Fits into a Broader Anxiety Toolkit

While crochet helped me a lot, it’s important to remember it’s one part of managing anxiety. Combining it with other strategies can be even more effective:

• Exercise

Physical activity releases tension and boosts mood.

• Talking to others

Sharing feelings with friends or professionals provides support.

• Mindfulness practices

Meditation or deep breathing can complement the focus crochet brings.

• Healthy routines

Good sleep, nutrition, and hydration support overall mental health.

Crochet can be a gentle, enjoyable addition to these approaches.

A crochet hook and yarn in soft pastel colors on a wooden surface

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Overcoming Challenges When Starting Crochet

Learning to crochet can feel intimidating at first. Some common challenges include:

• Frustration with mistakes

It’s normal to drop stitches or lose count. Remember, mistakes are part of learning.

• Finding time

Even 10 minutes a day can help. Try fitting crochet into your routine during breaks or before bed.

• Choosing supplies

Start with medium-weight yarn and a comfortable hook size to make handling easier.

Patience and persistence pay off. Each small step builds skill and confidence.

The Science Behind Crafting and Anxiety Relief

Research supports the calming effects of crafts like crochet. Studies show that repetitive hand movements can lower heart rate and reduce stress hormones. Engaging in creative activities also increases dopamine, a brain chemical linked to pleasure and motivation.

One study found that people who engaged in crafts reported lower anxiety and improved mood compared to those who did not. The combination of focus, creativity, and physical movement makes crochet a unique way to support mental health.

Making Crochet a Lasting Habit

To keep crochet as a helpful tool for anxiety, try these ideas:

• Keep your supplies visible

Having yarn and hooks ready encourages spontaneous crafting.

• Join a group

Local or online crochet communities offer support and inspiration.

• Mix it up

Try new patterns or techniques to keep things interesting.

• Use crochet as a break

When anxiety spikes, take a few minutes to crochet and reset your mind.

Building crochet into your lifestyle makes it easier to turn to when you need calm.

Final Thoughts on Crochet and Anxiety

Crocheting became more than a hobby for me. It became a way to slow down, focus, and find calm amid anxiety. The simple act of looping yarn into stitches gave me control over my mind when it felt out of control.

If anxiety feels overwhelming, consider giving crochet a try. It offers a quiet, creative space to breathe and reset. With patience and practice, it can become a reliable escape and a source of comfort.