We all experience burnout to some extent, whether it’s in our jobs, home life, or even hobbies like crocheting. This year, I have been struggling significantly with crochet burnout, which has made it increasingly difficult for me to pick up my crochet hook, even for fun. Although I'm still in this season of burnout, I have been researching ways to regain my passion for crocheting. Today, I want to share the methods I've found helpful in combating my crochet burnout, along with tips for preventing it in the future. My hope is to help all you fellow crocheters currently experiencing burnout or hoping to prevent it!
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What is Crochet Burnout?
The term "burnout" was first used in the 1970s by American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. Initially, it described individuals in caregiving professions—such as healthcare workers—who were facing high levels of stress. Today, the term has a broader application and can refer to anyone experiencing significant stress in various situations (1).
How does this relate to crochet? If you have a crochet business like I do, the stress of running that business can easily lead to burnout. Juggling daily crocheting with administrative tasks can be overwhelming, and if you're not taking the right measures to manage your stress, it’s easy to become burnt out. Even as a hobbyist, you can face similar challenges. Speaking from experience, I used to crochet for hours every day. While it may seem enjoyable and like a good idea at the time, our bodies need breaks, both physically and mentally.
What Can Cause Crochet Burnout?
Experiencing constant stress can be detrimental to both your mental and physical health. If crocheting is causing you stress—whether you are running a business or enjoying it as a hobby—it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the possible reasons. Here are some potential causes to consider:
- Having unrealistic expectations or goals that are impossible to reach.
- Overcommitting yourself may result in neglecting your own or your family's needs.
- Feeling constantly overworked or under-challenged.
- Constantly being under pressure to meet deadlines or learn new things.
- Not having a good work-life balance, such as working on crochet projects or your business for 10+ hours a day.
Signs of Crochet Burnout
There are several signs that may indicate you are experiencing crochet burnout. If you notice any of these signs, don’t worry! This is just an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. Here are some common indicators of burnout you might be facing:
- Feeling exhausted and having little to no motivation to crochet.
- May dread crocheting and view it as a chore, which can often lead to procrastination.
- Reduced performance or quality of work.
- Distance yourself from crocheting or the crochet community.
- Feeling overwhelmed even by simple tasks.
I want to emphasize that if you are experiencing these signs, struggling with negative thoughts, and noticing an impact on various areas of your life, you may be dealing with more than just burnout. In such cases, please reach out to a medical professional; your mental health is incredibly important!
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Ways to Overcome & Prevent Crochet Burnout
Now that we have delved into the details of crochet burnout, let’s discuss some strategies to prevent and overcome it. There is hope; you can navigate through this challenge! Here are some ways that have worked for me.
Take a break! I’m going to scream it louder so the people in the back can hear. TAKE A BREAK!!! Crocheting for hours on end, seven days a week, might seem like a great idea, but it can have significant downsides. It takes a physical toll on your hands, wrists, and fingers, as well as on your mental well-being. It's essential to take breaks between crochet sessions. If you start to notice signs of burnout, put your yarn and crochet hook aside for a few days or even weeks to allow your mind and body to recover. If you find yourself tempted to pick up your crochet hook again, consider locking it away in a safe or placing it out of reach. I’m serious about this: our bodies and minds need time to heal and recuperate.
Try quick and easy crochet projects, which can be highly beneficial for your mood and productivity. Consider trying your hand at simple items such as an amigurumi figure, a scarf, a coaster, or a keychain. Completing these projects can provide a sense of instant gratification, which can significantly boost your spirits.
Create a crochet project that serves a meaningful purpose, such as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, a charming piece of home decor, or a practical kitchen item. I've discovered that when I focus on crochet projects with significance, my enthusiasm for crocheting intensifies, fueling my motivation to see the task through to completion. Whether it’s a cozy blanket for a friend or a decorative dishcloth for my own kitchen, these purposeful creations bring joy and satisfaction with each stitch.
Pick up another hobby. I've previously mentioned taking a break, but it would also be a great idea to explore another hobby while you take time off from crocheting. When I feel stressed, I like to grab my Kindle and dive into a new book, take a walk around my neighborhood, or go for a bike ride on the local trails. Having more than one hobby can help you recharge and refresh your passion for crochet.
Set realistic expectations and goals for yourself. There’s nothing more discouraging than setting unachievable goals for yourself. This can lead to unnecessary stress, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. A good strategy is to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. For instance, saying “I want to improve my crocheting and learn new techniques” isn’t specific, measurable, or timely, making it hard to evaluate whether you’ve succeeded. A SMART goal would be: “Complete an online course that teaches new crochet stitches and techniques within three months.”
Crochet a project you have crocheted in the past that left you happy or excited. When in doubt, go back to something you cherish! Is there a crochet project you remember that brought you immense joy? If so, consider crocheting that project again; it may reignite your passion for crochet.
Learn to say NO! Trust me, my people-pleasing self really struggles with this one. You might find yourself where I was a few years ago, after everyone discovered I could crochet and started coming out of the woodwork to ask me to make something for them. I’m ashamed to admit that I said yes to almost everyone, and it seriously wore me down. Now, before jumping into every opportunity that comes my way, I take a moment to reflect and assess whether the opportunity is right for me. Maybe it’s a bad time, perhaps it’s not in my area of expertise, or I might already be struggling to meet my current deadlines. It’s perfectly okay to say no! If someone becomes offended, they aren’t the right customer, business partner, or collaborator for you anyway.
Limit your time on social media. It might sound surprising, but constant scrolling—often referred to as “doom scrolling”—can significantly contribute to crochet burnout. This is especially true when you’re spending hours managing crochet social media accounts or interacting with others in the community. I often hear that you should post on social media at least once a day, but let’s be realistic for a moment. As a solo person running a crochet business, possibly working another job, taking care of your family, and engaging in other activities, this can feel overwhelming! If you have the time and energy to dedicate to social media every day, then go for it. However, I’ve found that when I set timers on my social media usage and stop stressing about posting, I feel much freer to focus on what I truly love: crocheting.
Find or build a community. Having a supportive community filled with positive influences and mentors is incredibly important! Personally, I don’t know many crocheters in my immediate life, so I often seek connections within the crochet community through online platforms, seminars, and retreats. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! You don’t have to limit your search for support to just fellow crocheters; you can find encouragement from family, friends, church groups, other hobbies, activities, and more. If you can’t find an existing community, consider building your own, whether that involves organizing a local gathering or starting a Facebook group.
I hope you never have to experience crochet burnout like I did; I hope these tips help you prevent it. Almost everyone can experience some level of burnout, but it's important to take steps to both prevent it and manage it. If you have any other tips for dealing with crochet burnout, feel free to share them in the comments below! I would love to hear your thoughts as well. Wishing you all a happy and healthy day of crocheting, and don't forget to take breaks!
References
1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Depression: Learn More – What is burnout? [Updated 2024 Apr 15]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279286/
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