Completely aside from being an absorbing hobby, and being able to create beautiful models out of “just a piece of paper”, origami can do so much more for you.

Origami is a wonderful medium for teaching and learning all sorts of things - whether participants are aware of the lessons or not.  Practical skills like fine motor control, keeping the brain active etc are some of the more obvious, but it can also teach patience, persistence and perseverance,

 Origami is quite often used as a calming or stress relief activity as it occupies the eyes fingers and brain almost exclusively. Therefore there is no time or even inclination (when folding) to continue worrying about whatever was running through your head before you started.  It is a great way to disengage your mind from whatever problems/issues/anxieties/feelings you may be experiencing. 

Origami will not solve any of those issues, but it will allow you a period of calm so that when you’re done folding you can return to those issues with a fresh and (hopefully) calm state of mind.

That said please don't just take my word for it - the following are a few inks to published articles on the subject

5 Ways Origami Boosts Mindfulness | Psychology Today United Kingdom

From Paper to Peace: How Origami Reduces Anxiety

The Health Benefits of Origami and Folding Paper. (origami-resource-center.com)

ORILAND - Origami Benefits

Why origami is good for kids! - OoCities