While some may rely on knitting to make a living, such as an artist or fashion designer, anybody can pick up a few basic tools and learn how to knit for fun.
Knitting allows you to unleash your creative side. There are also several health benefits associated with the hands-on hobby.
For some time now, knitting has been lauded by researchers and health professionals for its positive mental, physical, and emotional effects.
We’ve always known that knitting calms us down, but with the scientific research to back it up, we can’t wait to buy a knitting machine and get to work.
Read on to discover some of the many health benefits this ancient craft can offer, and get ready to transform your body and mind.
1. Improves Math Skills
If math was never your strong subject in school, there may be hope for you yet, thanks to knitting.
Knitting requires counting, multiplying, measuring, and patterning, all of which will strengthen your arithmetic skills.
2. Soothes Anxiety
In a knitting study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81 percent of subjects reported feeling happier after knitting, and more than 50 percent felt “very happy.”
Knitting is a meditative practice that allows the brain to focus on repetitive motions, which quiets unwanted thoughts.
3. Sharpens Memory
order to keep track of where you are and which stitch comes next. The more you knit, the stronger your memory becomes.
4. Eases Pain
In a British study of 60 people with chronic pain, wellness coach Betsan Corkhill and her colleagues reported that knitting reduced participant’s awareness of pain.
Since knitting requires a keen attention to detail and an uninterrupted focus, you’ll hardly notice if you’re feeling any physical or even emotional pain.
5. Boosts Self-Esteem
When your knitting project is done, you’ll be able to hold your project high and proclaim, “I did that!” And nothing is more uplifting than seeing your hard work pay off.
The more you practice and master knitting, the more confidence you’ll gain in yourself and your artistic abilities.
