If you have spent any amount of time doing string-based crafts, such as crocheting, knitting or lace making, you already realise exactly how relaxing it can be. It is not only a way to produce items that help to keep us warm and covered, it is quite satisfying as well.
As it turns out, there are many benefits to doing these types of crafts that extend far beyond making a pair of socks or a blanket. In fact, there are many health benefits that will send you running for your knitting needles.
If you already take part in one of these crafts, these benefits will convince you to do it more often. If you are not yet doing it, it may just convince you to pick it up as a hobby.
Why Should You Take up Knitting and Crocheting?
It may seem as if knitting and crocheting is outdated, but that is not the case. It has even gained in popularity among people of all ages in recent years.
The following are some of the benefits you may experience:
1. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
Most of us are familiar with the relaxed feeling we get when we take part in these hobbies. Relaxing reduces our stress hormones, helping our circulatory system and limiting the possibility for certain health problems.
2. Keeps your fingers nimble
There are many small, precise movements associated with knitting and crocheting. When you perform it regularly, it can keep your fingers flexible and the muscles in your hands toned.
Keeping the fingers moving while knitting is great for maintaining mobility, especially in those with arthritis. As long as you don’t overdo it, you can experience this benefit.
3. Improves maths skills
Did you know that you could sharpen your maths skills without doing arithmetic? Knitting and crocheting involves a lot of counting, measuring and multiplying, all of which are maths skills.
4. No anxiety
Besides the physiological effect that knitting has on your body when it relaxes, it can also soothe your mind. Knitting tends to be meditative, so it allows you time to regroup your thoughts.
5. Better memory
Similar to the way that knitting is good for your maths skills, it can also help to keep your brain sharp. You need to rely on your memory when you’re knitting and when you exercise your memory, it gets stronger.
6. Managing pain
When you focus on knitting, it can help you to concentrate on something other than pain you are experiencing. It is especially beneficial for individuals with chronic pain.
Along with physical pain, it may help with mental pains, such as eating disorders and depression.
7. Mindless eating
Many people eat without thinking about it because they want something to do with their hands. Since you are already using your hands when knitting, it is less likely for you to take part mindless eating.
8. Brain health
Older individuals who knit or crochet have less of a chance of cognitive impairment or memory loss. Among senior citizens, the studies have shown that they have the healthiest memories and brains.
9. Sense of purpose
When you take part in a knitting project, it can give you a sense of purpose. You set a goal and as you get closer to the goal, it inspires you and makes you feel great.
10. Confidence
Working on a project can boost your confidence and help to give you self-esteem. After you master the skill of knitting, it is something that you can do as if you own it.
11. The end result
Finally, you have the end result when you are finished with the project. It doesn’t matter if you are knitting a sweater, an afghan or a pair of socks, it is a wonderful feeling when you are finished.
Via: Little Things
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