Stressed out and looking for a way to wind down and relieve some stress? Croch-Ayy is the perfect place. This event, held on Sonoma State University’s campus, at the HUB Cultural Center, focuses on creating a peaceful environment for students to escape their everyday stressors. Whether it is to learn something new, to forget about the stack of homework at home, or simply just to meet new people, Croch-Ayy has something to offer for everyone.
The event will be held on Sept. 24th from 6:45pm-7:30pm on the second floor of the Student Center. Croch-Ayy’s theme, named for the art of chrocheting is to “Practice Self-Care through mindful art” according to Sonoma State’s Campus Life website.
Many college students rely on a good face mask and consider it “self-care” but when pondering on what “self-care” actually consists of, many people are unsure. Maria Barrata in Psychology Today released an article on “Self-Care 101”.
“Self care in essence is the mindful taking time to pay attention to you,” stated Barrata. “Not in a narcissistic way, but in a way that ensures that you are being cared for by you.”
Croch-Ayy is allowing students to not only take their minds off of their busy lives but to also focus it on something that works the brain in a positive and healthy way.
Croch-Ayy provides all of the resources and supplies for the event, giving all students the same opportunity to learn and create something amazing, whether that is a masterpiece or friendships.
At the University of Wollongong in Australia, a study was done on the act of crocheting and its effects on mental health. Lakeisha Evans, speaking on behalf of the Wollongong study, expresses just how important hobbies such as crocheting can be.
“Crocheting can improve the strength of memory, the ability to focus, and even provide some relief from anxiety and depression to a certain extent,” said Evans. “This would make it an incredible method for self-care if more people were to utilize it.”
Evans then goes on in the article explaining that dopamine in the human brain is released when performing activities engaging your mind, such as crocheting, quite literally bringing happiness the more one does it. Happiness is now the goal of the event. Croch-Ayy hopes to not only create a new hobby for students but also to give students a healthier outlet for their stress.
Crocheting, famously known for being your grandma’s favorite activity, has now created its own name for being a great outlet for people of all ages. Croch-Ayy hopes to give students the skills and materials to begin crocheting and begin “practicing self-care through mindful art” at the event and afterwards.
Come join an inclusive and fun event meant to destress.
