Have you ever wondered about the self-care benefits that a handcrafting hobby such as knitting can offer? It may surprise you to hear that the benefits of knitting, crochet, and other needlecraft hobbies are rich and multiple. These types of hobbies can make a real impact on your mental health and well-being…once you get over the learning curve, of course!
I’ll explore 3 main ways that knitting can improve your mental health:
"Is knitting therapeutic? Heck yes. It’s a proven scientific fact…”
— Clara Parkes, author of The Yarn Whisperer
According to Dr Herbert Benson, knitting involves a repetitive action that can induce a state of relaxation like that of meditation or yoga. In fact, knitting is often referred to as “active meditation”. Dr Benson further states that knitting can lower blood pressure and heart rate, and can also reduce cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
In April, in honor of National Stress Awareness Month, the Craft Yarn Council organizes a “Stitch Away Stress” campaign, dedicated to the potential of knitting, crochet, and stress relief. The rhythmic nature of knitting acts as a passive action that can counteract the stress response, the “fight-or-flight” response, with relaxation and a calm mind.
There’s a peace to be found in the craft of knitting, even at its most simple. The sound of the needles, the feel of the yarn, the simplicity of the stitches becoming an intricate fabric; it all lends itself to a feeling of serenity that is difficult to replicate in other ways.
Serotonin is a chemical produced by the brain that helps to prevent depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. The consistent, soothing motions of knitting can enhance the release of serotonin, improving both short- and long-term mental health.
Knitting can also, if desired, be a community event, with knitting groups forming a strong social foundation for those who need it. Support, friendship, and enthusiasm for the craft can be found in knitting groups, reducing loneliness and increasing a sense of belonging and well-being.
There’s also the tangible nature of the craft to consider. Knitting creates, resulting in finished objects that can be worn used, or given, which can boost self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. It allows for self-expression and creativity, and the appreciation of doing something productive.
Knitting teaches us that mistakes can be undone, can be repaired, and that nothing is catastrophic. The patience and perseverance required by knitting teach us that an end goal is achievable, and that sidesteps on the journey can enrichen the experience in beautiful ways.
Just the act of learning a new craft can improve task switching, cognitive ability, and enhance memory. Reading the patterns and interpreting the instructions into action is excellent work for a nimble brain.
“The study suggests that engaging in certain types of mentally stimulating acts,” Geda says, “is associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment.”
Knitting and crochet as mental exercises both require calculation and the use of math — but you may not even be aware you’re using it! It allows you to exercise your mind without feeling any pressure or strain, because you’re engaged in a task you find enjoyable rather than stressful.
The focus required by the craft(s) help to clear the mind and quiet tumultuous thoughts. Knitting requires planning, patience, and perseverance, all which in turn require our full attention. It can help improve fine motor skills even as it works to keep the mind active and engaged. We have to exercise the brain, just as we do any other muscle, to keep it strong and working for us.
Knitting is also a portable hobby — it can be done anytime, anywhere; alone, or with friends. You can spend as much or as little time on it as you choose. There’s a freedom to the craft that is simple and rewarding and allows us to build the hobby into anything we desire.
Ultimately, knitting is a lovely, relaxing, and productive form of self-care. As a practitioner myself, in the midst of the stress of working full time, caring for a home, and sending my teen off to college, I have found knitting to be a creative outlet to love, share, and that brings fulfillment and simple joy.
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