Take it from me, leaning how to knit was and has never been something I thought I’d ever do, or be into. People think knitting is something their grandma does, and that it’s just some old age tradition that no one does anymore, but I think it’s because people often forget the benefits it brings or they’re just too busy with other parts of their lives to do it.
Knitting Holds a Sense of Pride
Not a lot of people can knit, so when you knit something it’s literally like showing off a new magic trick. They’re going to be stunned by your skills and you’ll be doused with compliments, plus others asking for you to make stuff for them and their kids.
Same Benefits of Meditation
Once you figure out how it all works, knitting is insanely relaxing. Simple projects are usually the same knit pattern over and over and your muscle memory can take over. The rhythmic aspect of it and the repeated motion relaxes your mind and body, and the top benefit over meditation is you get a new blanket at the end.
Alleviates Anxiety, Stress, Depression
The motions and focus can distract you from symptoms of anxiety, stress and even depression. Sitting down for a session of knitting reduces your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and helps keep those symptoms at bay.
Improves Motor Function
Because knitting can be intricate, it stimulates your whole brain at the same time, the frontal lobe, parietal love, the occipital love and the temporal lobe along with the cerebellum. It is super handy for people with Parkinson’s to improve motor function, and helps build fine motor skills.
Slows Cognitive Decline
Whilst it helps with mood raising and motor function, it also stimulates your brain to keep it healthy. The healthier your brain is, the longer it lasts. According to known studies, seniors who engage in different types of arts and crafts are about 30-50% less likely to have a cognitive impairment than those who don’t.
Helps Prevent Arthritis and Tendinitis
Like using your brain to keep it healthy, you have to use your joints to keep them healthy too. According to similar studies, if you gently use your fingers you can build up your cartilage making them stronger instead of wearing at them. Some people say typing on a keyboard does the same for you but it isn’t as strenuous as knitting so gets less of a benefit.
Now that you understand some of the benefits of knitting, check out some local craft stores and pick some fabrics up, I touch on some different fabrics and patterns in some of my other articles so please check those out too!
