You already knew that knitting was a fun and relaxing hobby, but did you also know it can deliver profound psychological and physiological benefits too? Let’s take a closer look.
How knitting helps mental health
Knitting has profound benefits on mental health as it can induce the ‘flow’ state or near meditation when the knitter is absorbed in their craft. It can also boost connection, which helps people struggling with loneliness, anxiety and depression. There are many knitting communities online and in person, and the craft helps people feel useful and needed by producing something with a physical purpose. People also tend to organise their thoughts, concentrate on a positive activity and process emotions as they focus on knitting.
The great thing about knitting, too, is that it is so accessible. You can begin with a pair of needles and a ball of yarn, or treat yourself to themed knitting kits to make a project, from specialists such as /www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits.
How knitting helps with physiological health
People who struggle with various chronic ailments have reported for years that knitting has a positive effect on their symptoms. About 20% of adults struggle with ongoing pain, and knitting can help to reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. At the same time, serotonin increases, which improves mental and physical health. This means that knitting can be used for pain control and even to help those with addiction.
In short, knitting is a profoundly beneficial activity that can offer a range of wins for everyone who tries it.