Four health benefits of knitting

Knitting is undeniably a great skill. With just few stitches you are able to create amazing accessories such as beanies, scarves and even sweaters. But did you know that knitting is not just a fun past time, it actually provides a lot of health benefits! 
 
Curious to know more? Here are four known health benefits of knitting:

1. Knitting reduces stress and anxiety

Ask any of our Myssy Grannies and they will tell you that knitting is a relaxing. The repetitive motion of the knitting needles activates our parasympathetic nervous system, the mechanism that brings calmness. 

When we knit, our brains release dopamine, a feel good hormone that encourages us to continue knitting. Picking up the knitting needles can bring your heart rate down in just a few minutes and make you feel calmer. And the more you knit, the happier you are!

2. Knitting resembles meditation

Mindfulness and meditation is about focusing on the present. Beginners are often advised to just sit and focus on their breathing. As the mind begins to wander, we direct our attention gently and without judging back to breathing.

Knitting forces us to be actively focused on what we are doing with our hands. When we focus on repeating the stitches, there is very little room left for negative thinking or our thoughts to wonder. Thus, through knitting, we get to enjoy similar benefits that can be experienced through meditation. Hence, knitting is a good alternative for a meditation moment.

3. Knitting can boost your self confidence 

Anyone who's ever finished a knitting project knows how good it feels to make something with your own hands. And the sense of accomplishment drives us to pick up the needles again and again. First you might start with easy knitting projects, and gradually move on to more demanding projects, solving all sorts of challenges along the way. As you skills develop, your self-efficacy improves.

4. Knitting is beneficial for our cognitive skills

Even though knitting can be done with fairly simple materials, all you need is knitting needles and some yarn. But the act of knitting is far more multifaceted than we might think. Knitting improves our cognitive skills by engaging several of the brain’s lobes, keeping the connections active. Research has shown that elderly people who craft suffer less from cognitive dysfunctions. Maybe that's the secret behind our Myssy Grannies, who are a lively bunch with a healthy dose of sense of humour!

If you are interested in knitting but don't know where to start, have a look at our MyMyssy DIY Kits. We also offer easy technique videos for beginners to get you started!