Knitting, crochet, embroidery and other crafts can be very soothing to do in times of stress. Whether we're waiting in a hospital corridor for news of a loved one, travelling to and from a tense workplace, or suffering from insomnia, many of us find working on small crafts to be just the thing: they keep our hands busy, and calm our worries. Sometimes the repetition is restful; at other times, a complicated pattern provides welcome distraction. Those interested in the health benefits of relaxation refer to knitting and other crafts as an excellent way to reduce anxiety, citing the meditative aspects of doing repetitive knit and crochet stitches, and explaining that the recurring motion somehow allows the mind to focus.
On the other hand, if you're a perfectionist who gets stressed out if your crafty projects aren't just so, this may not be the best thing to calm your soul. I have friends who are even annoyed by being around those who are knitting! They comment, "why can't you just relax? Why do you always have to be doing something?" Others, however, say, "it's soothing to be around you when you do your crafts. There's something very peaceful about it." Does craft-making calm you down? If so, take advantage of this phenomenon, and enjoy some peace of mind!
