Mental health can be improved by various crafting activities. One crafting activity I want to focus on here is the power of knitting. Knitting is a powerful activity that anyone can do to benefit them in various ways!
Knitting is a powerful activity that benefits you mentally and I will get into that just a little bit. But really knitting can be done from anywhere and is easily accessible. This form of activity is really for when you got some spare time such as when you watch tv, or maybe even 10-15 minutes before bed or when you wake up. But incorporating this activity into your daily routine can do some wonders that can be beneficial.
Knitting can be a fun activity that you can do with others, and it can be a social event too. The best part of this is that it is affordable too. If you want to learn to knit, there are plenty of YouTube videos to help get you started like this one.
After reading the benefits of knitting and how it can have a tremendous impact on your mental health and even other areas of your life, I am positive you will want to pick it up.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common diagnosis where it can really impact your life in different ways such as feelings of worry, feeling restless or on edge, racing thoughts and many more symptoms. Incorporating knitting into your daily routine will allow you to relieve stress that you may exhibit from the anxiety. Knitting produces a calming effect that can help alleviate the racing thoughts, restlessness and worry feelings. As you continue to knit, you become focused on the project or task and almost fixated onto it that naturally your mind is able to be taken off of whatever it is that is causing the anxious feelings.
Cognitive Function
Knitting can become complex with different colors and alternating stitches. This causes the person who is knitting to remain focused and stimulate brain function as they repeat and alternate. This can also help aid in memory as you are to remember which stitch comes next and when to alternate.
Self-Confidence
Knitting can produce feelings of self-confidence as you complete a project and even truly end up liking it! Knowing you made something, and proud of can result to self-confidence and feelings of accomplishment. These two feelings can help you to feel good about yourself and may even alleviate depressive symptoms as you find yourself feeling good while knitting and after you have completed your project.
Mindfulness
When you incorporate knitting into your daily life, you are also practicing mindfulness. This is because it requires you to be focused and stay in the moment in order to know what stitch to do next and when to alternate. Think of it like you are getting more than one benefit at a time. You are practicing mindfulness which will also fall into other areas of your life naturally that will aid you in other areas of your life. Here are the powerful benefits of practicing mindfulness.
Social Connection
Knitting is an art that is done by so many people. With that said, this gives you an advantage of building up your social circle. You can get with your social circle and knit together. This makes you feel connected and feel that you are able to do this great hobby of yours with other people who also enjoy the craft as much as you. This also gives you the chance to share your craft, gain some tips, and share some tips with your social circle. This is a great way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness and increase feelings of positivity.
Have you tried knitting before or know of anyone who knits? If you are interested in knitting here is a knitting kit to help, get you started. Knitting is a fun activity that you can do anywhere and make meaningful pieces that you can also give to others as a gift now that Christmas is right around the corner!
