How 3 minutes of crochet can ease anxiety
We all experience anxiety; it’s a completely natural emotion and physical response – it can even serve us well in certain moments and in small controlled spells. However, if anxious feelings are something that you feel like you are currently struggling with, then finding ways in which to manage that experience can really help to ease the feeling of overwhelm; allowing you to feel back in control of the driving seat.
Crocheting is one of my go-to activities for healthily maintaining aspects of my emotional wellbeing, and I love hearing that many of you also feel the same. Whipping out a large project though for some anxiety easing crocheting time is not always possible, or time-appropriate…
That’s why I love making these little flowers! They take approximately 3-5 minutes to make, and only require a very small amount of yarn, which means you can easily pop them into your bag wherever you may be going, and have the time to make one wherever you may be – whether that’s at work, commuting on a train or bus, or even in a toilet cubicle at an event!
How Do They Help?
Crochet has a naturally calming effect
These flowers are made using a repetitive pattern to form the petals. Engaging in a repetitive activity provides a distraction for the mind by focusing on the actions of your hands, without needing to really think about what you are doing. This alone can help release physical tension and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Focus on your breathing
Match your breathing to the repetitive action of the crocheting. This may mean deeply inhaling and exhaling to each stitch or petal, depending on your crochet speed. Doing this will help to slow down your heartbeat and shallow breathing, returning your breath back to a steady pace and leave you feeling calm and more in control.
Take each minute at a time
When feelings of anxiety arise we may have the tendency to respond to ourselves with harsh criticism and want to ‘push through’ it, or dismiss the feeling. Use the act of crocheting these flowers as an opportunity to offer yourself a short self-compassion break, acknowledge how you feel and remind yourself that it’s okay to experience these things, and that we’re all in this together.
And finally, let’s not forget that they’re super cute and can be made up using lots of different yarns and colours. Once you have enough you can even stitch them together to make cute tops, headbands, cushions, garlands, glue them onto bobby pins, or applique onto denim jackets, jeans, or whatever else you fancy! The possibilities are endless.
Click here to download your free flower crochet pattern now
*Suitable for beginners, however basic crochet skills required. Pattern is in UK crochet terminology. Any questions please contact stacie@quietconnections.co.uk