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The Lesser Known Health Benefits of Knitting and Crochet

I've previously mentioned that having a hobby can do much to distract someone from chronic pain...and I've previously mentioned that knitting and /or crochet are helpful to those with stress and anxiety--two common problems in the chronic pain population.




Recently, I came across a post in "The Little Things" citing many reasons why knit and crochet are good for your health.  You can read the post in entirety here, but here is the short list of the benefits!

1) Knitting (or crochet) can reduce heart rate and blood pressure. This leads to reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can damage the circulatory system and the heart.

2) Knit/crochet help keep fingers nimble. Just as walking or other exercise is good for arthritic knees and hips, knitting and crochet serve to exercise muscles in the fingers and hands, which helps to keep them from becoming stiff and dysfunctional.

3) Math skills are improved in people who knit/crochet. Following patterns is all about the math...and it has a subconscious benefit to the brain!

4) The yarn arts help to calm anxiety. Sitting with yarn and hook or needles is meditative!

5) Crochet and knitting sharpen memory. Your brain must rely on memory to create the different stitches in your work, where to change colors, etc.  The more you knit or crochet, the stronger your memory becomes!

6) Crochet/knit can help manage pain. These crafts require focus, and when you're focusing on your work, you're NOT focusing on the mental or physical discomforts associated with chronic pain. Knitting or crochet are great distraction techniques!

7) Knit and crochet help to quell mindless eating. Busy hands and a busy mind don't have time to think about overeating!

8) Knit and crochet help improve brain health. Studies have shown that crocheters and knitters in the 79-89 age group have the healthiest brains and memories.

9) Knitting and crochet help one to feel a sense of purpose. There's nothing like handcrafting something for yourself, a special gift for a friend or relative, or a donation for the poor or needy. (For me, this is the best part of being a crocheter!!!)

10) Knit and crochet help boost one's confidence and self-esteem. There's nothing like completing a project and knowing that you can hold it up with pride and say, "I made this!!!"

 Sources: TheLittleThings;Pixabay






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