As knitters we all know of course that it can be wonderfully relaxing, but did you know that there is a wealth of scientific evidence out there to show that knitting or crochet is one of the best things you can do on a daily basis to improve your mental health?
The slow, repetitive movements associated with knitting can actually cause the release of serotonin in the brain? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is important in mood regulation amongst other things. The mindful, repetitive movements can bring about a state of relaxation akin to those associated with yoga, making it ideal for those who are seeking to bring about a more meditative state of mind. Speaking personally I often struggle with traditional meditation exercises which require visualisation techniques. But I can often achieve a relaxed, happy state of mind by knitting, in the same way as I can by going for a long, slow walk in nature.
The act of following a pattern is associated with an improvement in focus and in memory.
Knitting improves fine motor control - knitting has been used as a therapy to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease improve motor control. Knitting, unlike a lot of other therapies requires use of a lot of different parts of the brain at the same time - Frontal lobe (planning and paying attention), Occipital lobe (processes visual signals), Parietal lobe (sensory and spatial information) and the Cerebellum (in control of precision and timing).
Being part of a knitting group (whether in person or online can contribute to combating feelings of isolation and loneliness.
It can help with breaking old patterns of behaviour - giving up smoking for example - and in forming new healthier habits. A lot of people report that knitting can help to occupy the hands/brain and combat cravings.
I’m sure there are a lot more benefits than this - but these are just some of the wildly reported positive benefits of knitting, so much so that NHS Occupational Therapy departments are looking at knitting/crochet as a possible treatment option alongside more conventional therapies
According to the Mayo Clinic, seniors who engage in crafts (including knitting) are about 30-50% less likely to have a “mild cognitive impairment” than those who don’t.
Further reading
Stitchlinks: If this has sparked your interest you might like to check out Stitchlinks - the home of Therapeutic Knitting and the brainchild of author and knitter Betsan Corkhill who has lead the way in this exciting area of research.
Knit and Health for Wellness by Betsan Corkhill
