Knitting Can Make You Happier & Healthier

When it comes to coping, there are healthy and unhealthy things we can

knitted teddy bear

turn to. Engaging in artistic expression, crafts and other forms of creation are certainly considered healthy when facing depression, anxiety or any other disturbance in mental or emotional wellness. What science is now discovering is that the use of these techniques is helpful for anyone at any time, —even when we aren’t in the midst of emotional turmoil or stress. And activities such as knitting can even provide long-term health benefits!

According to The Washington Post, a survey conducted in 2013 showed

Baby Blue Bear with Custom Crocheted Outfit I made

how 81.5 percent of those who responded said they felt happier and healthier after knitting. But we all know that we feel better momentarily when doing our preferred relaxation or artistic activities. What do these pastimes do for us in the long run?

One study showed an impact on seniors who

Stay Busy… Stay Active & keep your brain alive

practiced knitting, quilting, playing games, computer activities and reading books regularly. It was discovered that 30 to 50 percent of participants were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a first step to dementia. Researchers believe it is because these activities all activate multiple areas of the brain—including those responsible for planning, spatial navigation, visual processing, interpreting meaning and precision of movement. Basically, this is saying, we need to keep our brain active. You know the old saying “Use it or lose”, well, it applies to the brain too… No surprise here!

In another study, women hospitalized for anorexia were given a survey after knitting for 20 minutes to an hour per day;  74 percent reported having less fear or preoccupation with their disorder and others noted feeling pride and a sense of accomplishment. Project Knitwell works with caregivers of all kinds and notes how knitting can be an especially powerful relief for families of premature infants who cannot yet hold their babies.

“Textile therapy” is being studied more and more as we further

Knitting is not just for granny…

understand the brain and its functions. The reward center of the brain, responsible for reinforcement of activities ranging from eating, exercise, sex and taking recreational drugs, may play a role in the enjoyment of knitting and other hands-on crafts.

Not only is knitting a powerful tool for managing your daily stress and life’s significant hardships,

knitted baby socks

it can also serve you as a preventative measure against future health conditions. Compared to other activities, it’s also affordable for many people and anybody who wants to can learn. If you want to get started with learning how to knit, here are some resources and fun patterns. It’s time knitting becomes less of an aged stereotype and more of a daily health practice!

I used to knit a lot but I stopped & I don’t know why I did. Maybe my cats had bit to do with it as it’s hard to knit with them around, wanting to play with the yarn… 🙂

This Empowered Woman is working on herself today…