How do Knitting & Crochet Actively Support Your Mental Health?

16/03/2023
by Ruth Strickley
knitting hands

Ruth Strickley, for The Little Wool Company

We've all been so much this past few years and I would like to thank all my customers for hanging on in there with me. I have had my fair share of issues through the same trauma of the pandemic to keeping the company going during changed personal circumstances. However here I am downsized but not down and out on my small farm here in Cornwall. I saw something on Facebook this week that made me chuckle, it said "I craft because thumping people is frowned upon" (I don't know who to credit it to) but I certainly find that creative processes have helped me so that is what I thought I would talk about this month.

Knitting and crochet are activities that have been enjoyed for centuries. Whether seen as an art or purely for the functional purposes of clothing and garments, it can deliver a plethora of benefits. But did you know that these crafting hobbies are also great for supporting improved mental health and well being?

Crafting has become a fun, affordable, and practical activity for people of all ages. And as mental health cases continue to soar, there has never been a better time to embrace knitting and crochet for wellness purposes. Here are just some of the scientifically-supported benefits to consider.

#1. Knitting Reduces Stress

Research shows that 74% of Brits have felt unable to cope with stress at some stage in their life. Meanwhile, millions experience the negative health impacts of chronic stress. Knitting is one of the most effective ways to shut off from the outside world and the stresses of modern life. When you hit "the zone", stress will evaporate as you immerse yourself fully in the process of completing one row after the other.

Better still, the therapeutic crafting activity can help regulate your breathing and help combat feelings of anxiety. Just a few minutes of crochet or knitting can have a positive impact, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy lifestyle routines.

#2. Crochet Supports Cognitive Function

Knitting and crochet have long been associated with older generations. In truth, crafting is one of the best activities that seniors can take up in order to reduce cognitive decline. By keeping your brain mentally engaged, knitting can help improve your memory and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. While research into this field is still in its relative infancy, it suggests a positive correlation that can be seen across all age groups.

As well as the mental engagement of hand-eye coordination, knitting encourages creative and logical thinking as users have to visualise the designs that they wish to make. This may also help maintain good cognitive health.

#3. Knitting Supports Mindfulness

Mindfulness is heavily linked to stress reduction, but it can lead to a host of well being rewards. Knitting is one of the best visual-spatial activities for promoting mindfulness in a way that can help combat anorexia nervosa as over 70% of participants in a scientific study said it helps reduce their fears linked to their eating disorder. This is just one example of a health issue that can be managed more effectively when crafting is introduced.

Crochet additionally produces a sense of heightened control, which can improve your general mental health with significant results. And when supported by physical benefits, such as reduced arthritis symptoms, the overall impact is huge.

#4. Crafting Can Make You Happier

When thinking about the increased mental well being, the pursuit of happiness should be one of the top items on the agenda. Once you have your beginner's knitting kit, you'll be all set to start producing designs. Each completed project will provide a sense of satisfaction and increased self-confidence. The boost of dopamine is the reward your brain gives as a result, and it will translate to improved moods.

Crafting additionally makes you happier through the opportunity to make new social connections with other crafters. Likewise, producing goods for the home or to give as gifts to loved ones can provide another source of added happiness.

If you can't think of what to do first I have a range of knitting kits where you get everything for a complete project or my re-vamped Yarn Club might suit where every few weeks you get a curated selection of items to challenge you with a new and exciting project.

If you found this interesting you can click into the links to see the resarch or dig a bit deeper into this topic.

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