Knitting needles, that is...
It’s been a busy week: a long haul back from Spain, dealing with lost and damaged luggage, unpacking, laundry… and jet-lag, of course.
But when I saw this article, I wanted to share it with you. You may know that I am an avid knitter – my grandmother taught me when I was 6 and I took it up in earnest at age 8 or 9 when I received a “how to” book on knitting. I’ve been knitting ever since! But did you know that knitting is good for your mental and physical health?
Research shows that knitting can reduce depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, distract from chronic pain, decrease loneliness and isolation, and just generally make you feel good!
I’ve always found knitting to be soothing and relaxing – sort of a form of meditation. It’s something about the repetitious movements of forming the stitches, I think. And, if you choose a more complex pattern, you need to block out other thoughts and focus on the pattern or you may find yourself unravelling some of your work! It’s really a form of meditation at the same time as you are creating something…
Studies say that knitting can actually induce the “relaxation response” -- I wrote about this back relaxation technique back in March of 2017. Click here to see it. So, from this point of view, it compares with other relaxing activities like meditation and yoga… except you are creating something beautiful and useful at the same time. And, if you give the item away, you add in some of that great feeling you get by helping others.
I guess this may be why, as researchers have discovered recently, knitting can help reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain and more. And in addition, when you’re done, you have the reward of a useful knitted item like a hat, scarf, mittens, socks or sweater! What could be better than a relaxing activity that provides a sense of accomplishment?
So, ff you’ve never knitted, give it a try. Pick up an inexpensive ball or two of colourful yarn and a pair of knitting needles (the label on the ball will tell you what size to buy!) and Google “how to knit”. Or just ask a friend who know how. I’m sure they’d be excited to help you learn!
Mental Health America article:
Inspiring anecdote from writer Chloe Grundmeier:
Here’s the science:
