As if producing lovely scarves, sweaters and blankets isn't
reason enough to spend time knitting, there are actually a number of
scientifically proven health benefits that come from knitting.
For those not already knitting, you can get yarn and needles
at your local craft shop (click
this link for a good knitting supply shop), and learn the basic stitches
from any number of good Youtube videos. Once you start, here are some of the
ways you'll be helping your mind and body:
Concentration and Focus
Concentration, memory, and focus are all places that can see
improvement once you start knitting regularly. Having to constantly keep track
of your finger positions, the tension of the yarn, counting the stitches and
remembering the pattern all keep your mind sharp.
Keeps Your Hands Busy
This one is a bit of an odd-ball benefit, but having your
hands busy with knitting can keep you from doing other things you would rather
not be doing. People who are trying to quit smoking often say they are
uncomfortable when they have nothing to do
with their hands. If you tend to snack when you shouldn't or even bite your
nails, you can keep yourself too occupied to do these things if you are
knitting. For people who are constantly checking on their phones, this is a way
to break that habit too.
Pride and Accomplishment
It just makes you feel good to produce something tangible
with your own two hands, even if it is just a knitted dishcloth. Mastering a
complicated pattern, finally getting the hang of an advanced stitch or even
just sticking with a big project to completion (like knitting a blanket for a
queen-size bed). Feeling proud is a great mental boost and shouldn't be
discounted as a real health benefit.
A Kind of Meditation
Knitting has all the same relaxation
benefits that you get from meditation. Even though it can be a "busy
looking" hobby with fingers flying and needles clicking, it's very easy
for a practiced knitter to let their thoughts go, much like a more typical
meditation techniques. This can be very helpful for any problems with stress,
anxiety and even depression. It brings a lot of mental peace, even though some
tough patterns or difficult mistakes might seem more stressful than meditative.
Arm Strength and Joint Movement
This is a combined physical benefit that comes from the
movements involved in your arms, wrists and fingers when you knit. It's a
low-impact and low-strain exercise that still works the muscles and keeps your
joints fluid, providing you are knitting on a somewhat regular basis. Knitting
also improves your finger dexterity and fine motor control too.
On the other hand, if you are already suffering from stiff
or painful joints (perhaps due to arthritis), it can be difficult to do a lot
of knitting. Consider this to be more of a prevention for joint troubles rather
than a treatment for an existing condition.
Now that you know how helpful knitting can be, you can enjoy
your hobby even more.
