Marlene Rinollo • April 19, 2021
Crafting Promotes Health
For some, crocheting and knitting might seem like their grandmother's favorite pastime. But on closer inspection, it's literally evident: knitting and crocheting, rhythmic handcrafts with yarn, have many positive effects on health, in addition to the great end result – a rug, basket, hat, or socks.
Crocheting and knitting can heal body and soul.
Scientific studies and many crafters confirm this.
Meditation
Crocheting calms but also stimulates the mind at the same time.
Working with yarn acts like meditation. The handwork with the needle lowers blood pressure and pulse.
Crocheting and knitting are "active meditation." A consistent handcraft that the crafters can focus on.
Knitting and crocheting are increasingly recommended to patients suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.
Crocheting is referred to by psychologists and in many media articles as "the new yoga."
Excellent against stress, anxiety, depression
The Canadian University of British Columbia confirmed the positive effects of knitting in a study with 38 women suffering from eating disorders.
Crafting reduced the intensity of their anxieties and negative thoughts in 74% of cases and had a calming effect. Knitting keeps the hands busy and the mind focused.
Crafts like knitting and crocheting are even used in hospitals, schools, and even prisons as a therapeutic activity.
Especially for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, crafting can bring them back to life, allowing them to create beauty despite their suffering.
Self-confidence through occupation
Crocheting and knitting offer a great and usually quick sense of accomplishment from having created a high-quality unique piece yourself.
A fashionable hat, for example, can be crocheted in two hours. You feel productive and creative.
Crocheting against Alzheimer's and dementia
The positive effects of cognitive activities on the aging brain are well known. Occupational therapists recommend reading, board games, or crafts. But knitting and crocheting are also good for the brain as a preventative measure for younger people.
Because the delicate handwork stimulates the senses and multiple brain areas.
Healthy finger gymnastics
Knitting and crocheting are great exercises for the fingers and very helpful in preventing arthritis. The handwork with yarn engages the finger joints but does not strain them.
When knitting and crocheting, the hands are trained powerfully yet gently, and blood circulation to the fingers is improved.
For crocheting and knitting to also benefit health positively, it is important to change your sitting position during work. Take breaks, don't cramp your fingers too much, and relieve your intervertebral discs by leaning back and stretching occasionally.
No wonder, then, that knitting and crocheting have shed their old-fashioned image in recent years and are now completely on trend!
So have fun!