Crochet, needlework help women professionals beat stress

For retired doctor Nandini Harikrishnan, who now travels quite a bit, there is one item that is always on her checklist - her crochet kit. Having discovered the joy of crocheting, as she is still a busy practitioner, the doctor is quick to prescribe it to those willing to adopt it as a ‘healthy hobby’. 

She says, “Today, women are under a lot of stress— juggling home and work, domestic issues, raising children, and so on. This is an ideal activity as it helps you relax. While embroidery might need good eyesight, crocheting is easier on the eyes and can be practised even while travelling.” 

Crochet, the art of converting yarn into fabric with the use of a hooked needle, has for long been a sought-after craft, as it has helped women channelise creativity by making apparels and home decor. 

However, of late, women have begun taking to the art for another reason — beating stress. According to studies, crochet can enable mindfulness, increase serotonin and boost self-esteem. Dr Mrinalini Naresh Kumar, a retired medical practitioner, agrees, as she adds the repetitive movements of the fingers can help one calm their senses. 

“In fact, I took to it while practising medicine, in order to relax. Even after retiring, I have continued with it.” She adds that a few studies have proven a good number of benefits of crocheting. “The most interesting part is that it is also not very demanding, as you can pursue crochet while you are watching TV or while talking to someone,” she says. 

Srividya, who runs SV Arts and Crafts, says she has a mix of doctors and IT professionals attending her classes. She explains, “In fact, to meet the demand for classes among IT professionals, I have started weekend sessions. I have doctors— both retired and in-service--- coming for classes at my centre. They have all joined to beat stress, apart from coming up with fine pieces of art through crochet.” 

Bengaluru-based Srividhya Lakshmanan, a Montessori educator who moved to Chennai recently was astounded to see the response her crochet classes received. “I have been bombarded with requests from homemakers and IT professionals, who are willing to travel as far as Pandiyan street in Valasaravakkam from ECR. 

“It is not as much about making socks or attires in colourful yarns, as much as it is about relaxing for these people. The products they come up with is just a manifestation of their relaxed minds.”