The benefits of knitting

When I think of knitting, I think of my mom. She had a blue knitting basket where she would store her different-sized knitting needles and colorful balls of yarn. I never learned how to knit with needles, but my mother-in-law taught me how to knit using a loom.

Although you wouldn’t call knitting a “trendy” hobby, while doing a little research I discovered that there are numerous mental and physical benefits to the craft.

Perhaps these benefits are the secret as to why so many mothers and grandmothers knit!

5 benefits of knitting:

Sharpens the mind

Knitting is an activity where you visualize a final product and then strategize how to create it. Doing so stimulates your motor cortex, frontal and occipital lobes. Engaging these parts of the brain help strengthens your mind and slows down cognitive impairment.

An article in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinic Neurosciences studied mild cognitive impairment (MCI) associated with aging. They found, “Computer activities; craft activities, such as knitting, quilting, etc.; playing games; and reading books were associated with decreased odds of having MCI.”

Cheaper than therapy

Knitting alone can be a great way to relax and relieve stress. If you want to be more social, join other knitters in a class or a group that works together while they chat and visit. You can make your hobby a way to build new friendships.

It’s like working out

The rhythmic actions of knitting keep the finger joints flexible and the muscles in the hands toned and steady, aiding in the prevention of arthritis and tendinitis and helping with dexterity. Also, knitting burns about 100 calories an hour.

Helps with bad habits

Do you smoke or snack on not-so-healthy foods? If your hands are occupied doing something else, you can’t reach for that cigarette or bag of chips. Instead of mindless eating while watching television, pick up those knitting needles and get busy.

Boosts self-esteem

We all know how fulfilling completing a project can be. With knitting, you can turn a ball of yarn into a hat, scarf, sweater, blanket – anything you want! And when you’re done, you can keep your creation or give it to a friend, loved one, or someone in need. The more you knit, the better you’ll feel.

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