Many people channel their emotions into some form of art or a hobby. These could be physical activities, like jogging or kickboxing; however, many people channel their emotions through creative pursuits, like dabbling in painting or learning how to crochet.
Anger is a common human emotion that we experience quite often in our daily lives. When things do not move in the right direction or when we face troubles in our relationships, feeling anger is not just automatic but also very natural!
Contrary to popular notions, it is not bad or wrong to be angry. On the flip side, anger directs us that we need to take action to make something right. It gives us energy and strength, along with the motivation to act. However, what we choose to do when we feel angry can be a cause for concern.
The Mental Health Foundation conducted a survey in which 32% of people said they had a close relative or friend who had trouble controlling their anger. In addition, 28% of people said they were worried about how angry they sometimes felt.
Bottling emotions, especially anger, can be extremely harmful. It is essential to ensure that you can control your anger to maintain calm so that it does not negatively impact your relationships.
Anger management difficulties could lead to fights, broken relationships, loss of a job, or even criminal prosecutions. In addition, research indicates that long-term, unresolved anger is linked to health conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
If you or your loved ones struggle to control your anger, then there are various methods that you could employ to get a hold of your emotions. One of the easiest and fun ways to do so is learning how to crochet.
What is crochet and how can it help me?
If you don’t know what crocheting is, do not worry. You can take in-person classes, learn from a friend, or do some online research to teach yourself how to crochet. Crochet is a needlework method of art that is made using a crochet hook and fiber, yarn, or crochet thread. Once you start doing this, you will be both literally and metaphorically hooked.
Crocheting can also be extremely useful in dealing with your anger. Channeling emotions by using them as motivation to create art can calm a person down and help them use their anger constructively.
Relieving negative emotions
Yarncraft can be extremely helpful in dealing with all sorts of moods. Anger is a powerful emotion that may take control over your entire mind and sometimes even body, in the form of physical violence. By engaging in crochet, you can keep your hands busy and mind focused.
Your mind moves towards a calmer space where you can manage your negative feelings. A study by the Craft Yarn Council showed that nearly 75% of women found knitting to be calming and a mood changer.
Providing a distraction
Strong emotions and reactions like anger may cease to exist when you crochet. While crocheting, you will be able to visualize the swirls of design, the patterns of thread, and the beautiful colors. Your mind will seem like a web browser with different tabs open, and you will be completely engrossed in the project.
The amount of time and concentration required to make yarncraft makes your problems fade into the background and provides a good distraction from the cause of your anger. The mere act of holding your needles and creating a beautiful design can make it easier to let go of your negative emotions and examine them clearly.
Releasing serotonin
Crocheting helps release the natural hormone serotonin.
A study from the British Journal of Occupational Therapy demonstrated that 81% of participants demonstrated marked improvement in serotonin levels after knitting for an extended period. Research shows that when serotonin levels are low, it is difficult for the prefrontal cortex to control the anger generated within the amygdala.
Reducing irritability and restlessness
Often, we find ourselves in situations where anger is coming from a place of irritability and restlessness. Crochet and knitting enable you to move through times where you feel grumpy, restless, or even bored.
This outlet can preserve your relationships and also keep you balanced, thereby preventing unwanted bursts of anger.
Giving a sense of control
People often have extreme reactions of anger when there is a sense of loss of control. Crocheting can be one way to put the power back in your hands.
By choosing to engage in crocheting, you are in complete control of the situation. From the type of design to the colors and even the hooks, you decide everything. This could help you feel more positive and extend the sense of control to other aspects of your life.
Building community and resilience
People who have been crocheting for a while often associate the process with praying. The sacred space and time they assign to their craft have myriad health benefits. As you get engrossed, you feel a sense of purpose and mute external noise. This peaceful time can often be a way to calm down and refocus on positive emotions.
Anger can be a direct consequence of personal problems, and in those difficult times, you may feel lonely or misunderstood. Crochet can provide a community through public meetups and online craft communities, building support and resilience. You may feel a sense of belonging and feel more comfortable reaching out to new friends when you need help.
Why should you learn anger management techniques like crochet?
There is a common notion that anger management is about learning to suppress your anger. Instead, management techniques can help you to spot the anger triggers, see them coming, and learn to address rage in a manner that will lead to more productive outcomes.
Anger management can help you:
Communicate your needs
You will learn how to recognize and talk about things that annoy you rather than letting your anger flare up. Understanding how to express yourself can prevent unwanted bursts of anger and sometimes, in extreme situations, violence.
Maintain better health
The anxiety and stress caused by angry feelings may increase the risk of health problems, such as headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure, or depression. Finding the proper outlet can help you focus on the solution, improving both physical and mental health.
Increase productivity
Anger expressed inappropriately can result in poor judgment and prevent you from thinking clearly. On the other hand, channeling frustration and anger constructively could lead to increased productive outcomes, like beautiful works of crochet.
Prevent unhealthy lifestyles
People who always feel angry may turn to harmful practices like disordered use of alcohol, drugs, or junk food. Instead, by using anger management techniques, you can better maintain control without any unhealthy habits.
Key Takeaway
Every day, we encounter various situations in life that can generate strong emotions within us. Rather than thinking of emotions as purely good or bad, think about how you can master them and use that feeling to power constructive outcomes.
Powerful emotions, like anger, can feel like they control us instead of the other way around. For many people, it is necessary to identify triggers and use techniques to control their emotions.
Now that you have learned the benefits of anger management and crochet, give it a try!
Author:
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
