When you think of hobbies that make you healthier, activities like running, biking, or lifting weights are what probably come to mind. Of course, these are all great ways to keep your mind and body in shape, but working up a sweat isn’t the only way to work on your health. Activities that are more laidback can be a mental and physical workout too.
Knitting, for example, has quite a few health benefits you might be surprised to learn about. Check out a few of the different ways knitting can make you healthier!
Reduce Stress
Repetitive and rhythmic motions, like the ones required to knit, have a meditative effect on your mood and brain. Studies have even found that such motions can trigger a release of serotonin in your body, one of the chemicals that helps stabilize your mood and make you feel happy. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you get when you finish a piece will boost your mood and self-esteem as well.
Maintain Cognitive Functioning
Knitting is an engaging activity that stimulates your mind. When you challenge your brain this way, you help maintain and create new connections between brain cells. This decreases your risk of cognitive impairment, memory loss, and developing related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Improve Fine Motor Skills
The process of knitting helps hone hand-eye coordination and dexterity in your hands. Your brain and hands must work together to get the stitching right and follow a pattern, which engages and improves your fine motor skills. Knitting also helps improve strength and dexterity in your hands, which can alleviate some of the pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis.
Chronic Pain Relief
The more you’re aware of it, the worse pain gets. If you deal with chronic pain, knitting is an activity that can redirect your focus and make it more difficult for your brain to process pain signals, reducing the severity of the pain you feel. It also triggers the release of those “feel-good” chemicals (like the serotonin mentioned earlier), which help relieve pain too.
Get inspired for your next knitting project with a one-of-a-kind knitted piece from Tobi Collage! Choose from a selection of unique hand-knitted hats and mittens made with a variety of colors and designs. While you’re browsing, be sure to check out my collage quilts for something extra special to brighten up your home.
Discover the fiber art from Tobi Collage that speaks to you today!