Crafting and creativity provides tons of benefits for mental, emotional and physical health.  

“When we are involved in (creativity), we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life.” ~Mihayl Csikszentmihalyi, Flow, the secret to happiness TEDtalk 2004 

Science indicates the benefits of mindfulness meditation in improving the brain in inflammatory reduction and improves health via Carnegie Mellon News and the Mayo Clinic. And art as meditation has been documented by Crowder, Lock, et. al from University of Calgary in their write up: Art as Meditation: A Mindful Inquiry into Educator Well-Being in The Qualitative Report in 2020.

In short, the benefits of crochet, as a part of the creative arts, can bring much similar stress relief, mindfulness, mental stimulation, relaxation, fine motor-skills, creative outlet, productivity and a sense of purpose along with the purpose of The Crochet Lounge, social connection! 

For children who have been through trauma, learning to crochet could bring a sense of self-pride, accomplishment, a calmness and a focus that otherwise they may not be able to quiet down to.  For those who have PTSD, it brings a mental focus, and new stimulation that could help the mind move to problem-solving and creation for a duration of time to reach relaxation.  For people who need fine motor skills practice, yarn craft can even be used for therapy!

When you utilize crochet as your creative outlet and allow yourself expression to blossom, your finished product or your journey can also help inspire the next crafter regardless of their place in the journey as a newbie or someone seasoned.  When you share the joy of your craft and help another start, you could inadvertently be helping them with long term life skills to their mental and emotional wellness!

Whether you are a crochet beginner or someone seasoned, you, too, can help the next person who is just a step or a few steps behind you to start on this journey.

Remember, while at the Lounge, it’s time to Relax, Create, and Inspire!