> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Lucianne Tonti > Reference:: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/02/purls-of-wisdom-the-wellbeing-benefits-of-knitting-and-crocheting > Date:: 2024-01-12 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: [[Psychological value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft improves well-being]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Knitting makes you feel better by providing a sense of achievement. ### Highlights Registered psychologist Sahra O’Doherty says knitting and crocheting can be highly beneficial for our mental health, Although most of the evidence to support this is anecdotal, a study conducted [by the University of Wollongong](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32245337/) found that respondents felt happier, calmer and more useful after crocheting. And the benefits of engaging in craft [have been endorsed](https://chf.org.au/sites/default/files/social_prescribing_roundable_report_chf_racgp_v11.pdf) by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and the Consumers Health Forum of Australia too. She says crafts can be a useful antidote to depression, because they help pull us out of negative thought spirals and refocus us on things that give us a sense of achievement, which can combat feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness Allowing ourselves time to sit and process and not be distracted by things like our phones is absolutely important,” O’Doherty says.