7 Health Benefits of Knitting
Now is the ideal time to knit. Are you ready?
It is an activity that you can practice comfortably on your favorite sofa or while enjoying the rays of the early morning sun on a pleasant park bench in your city. You can also knit on a subway car, while waiting at the bus stop, listening to the radio…
Want more ideas? Join a knitting group with your friends. It’ll be an intimate evening and will strengthen your empathy in addition to enhancing the feeling of belonging to a group and learning to work together.
Knitting benefits our physical and mental health
Knitting is a beneficial activity for both our physical and mental health because it helps slow one’s heart rate, muscle tension and blood pressure. This activity forces us to think continuously; starting with the type of wool we’ll be using, to the work we will be doing, to the needles we will need.
Knitting points and turns become allies of our health. Since they stimulate neural connections and keep them active as we age , knitting can help delay the onset of cognitive problems such as dementia.
The act of knitting is a complex neurological process; it is not a simple repetition of hand movements. When we knit, the motor, sensory, visual, auditory and language areas of the brain are all activated.
During this practice, our hands and arms are continuously in motion, we feel the texture of the balls of yarn, enjoy the colors we use, listen to the instructions of the teacher if we are learning and, in turn, can pass it on to others. In addition, we put the part of the brain responsible for planning and imagining into action.
If you are still undecided and need more information before taking a skein of wool and needles, note:
- Through repeating actions over and over we achieve what is called “relaxation response.” By repeating the same things again and again, a relaxing effect occurs in our bodies similar to that which is achieved through yoga.
- Knitting can be the escape we need each day to become calm, making it a great ally to get away from everyday problems. When we are engaged in this type of activity, we leave behind your problems. It is an activity that stimulates the brain, helping us relax and reduce stress.
- Knitting can boost our mood and bring us joy. Knitting can lead to a reduction in stress hormones and an increase in happiness-causing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.
- Knitting enhances our ability to concentrate which can serve as a real therapy for those suffering from attention deficit disorder.
- Knitting helps us feel good about ourselves and build self-esteem because we are creating a garment with our own hands. It strengthens our self confidence and helps us cultivate patience.
- It teaches us to strive to achieve our goals and not become discouraged if we fail on the first attempt. This is because when we learn to knit we may have to undo the work and start again from scratch; an experience that can be applicable in all areas of life.
- Knitting encourages communication between generations as our elders are often the experts in this craft and are the ones who know the tricks. Listening to their advice is essential to improve and learn.
So tell me, now are you ready to knit?
