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Knitting Your Way to Wellness

4 Surprising Benefits of Picking Up Your Needles

When we think of self-care, we often imagine activities like taking a hot bath or practicing yoga. But there’s another, often overlooked, form of self-care that’s just as powerful - knitting! This age-old craft is much more than a way to pass the time; it’s a practice that can bring calm, focus, and joy into your daily life. You can literally be knitting your way to wellness with every stitch.

Here are four surprising benefits of knitting that can enhance your overall wellbeing.

Knitting Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Yes, you read that right! Knitting may actually help lower your blood pressure!

Studies have shown that engaging in calming, repetitive activities like knitting can have a positive effect on the body’s autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. It’s similar to the way deep breathing or meditation works. The simple, rhythmic motion of knitting helps to calm the mind and body, making it a great tool for anyone looking to manage stress or reduce anxiety.

So, if you’re looking for a way to unwind at the end of a long day, consider swapping your phone for your knitting needles. Your body will thank you!

Boosts Brain Power with Every Stitch

Knitting isn’t just good for your body. It’s good for your brain too!

Following a pattern, counting stitches, and problem-solving when things go awry (we’ve all been there!) is a mental workout that keeps your brain sharp. Some research even suggests that enjoying activities like knitting can delay the onset of cognitive decline as we age.

It’s a great way to challenge yourself creatively, while also improving your concentration and memory. Plus, the sense of satisfaction you get when you’ve finally nailed that tricky pattern? Pure gold for your mental health.

A Portable Form of Relaxation

One of the best things about knitting is how portable it is. You can take your project with you wherever you go, turning everyday moments of downtime into opportunities for relaxation and self-care. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment, sitting on a train, or simply taking a break at work, knitting provides a little pocket of peace that you can carry with you.

It’s a form of meditation that fits in your bag - how brilliant is that?

Knitting Builds Resilience

Knitting teaches us patience, perseverance, and resilience. Mistakes are inevitable. Dropped stitches, tangled yarn, miscounted rows - but each mistake offers a chance to learn and improve. Over time, you begin to embrace the imperfections in your work as part of the process. Unique design features are a regular occurrence in my knitting 😉

This resilience translates into other areas of life as well. Knitting helps us realise that it’s okay to slow down, make mistakes, and start over when needed. It encourages a growth mindset, which is essential for long-term wellbeing. And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about mastering a complex pattern or completing a project after facing setbacks!

A holistic form of self-care

Even just from these four examples you can see that knitting is so much more than a creative pastime. It’s a holistic form of self-care that nurtures both mind and body. From reducing blood pressure to boosting brain power, and even building resilience, it’s a craft that offers countless wellness benefits.

So next time you pick up your needles, remember that you’re not just knitting a shawl or blanket. You’re knitting your way to better health and happiness!

Come join NNK2tog

If you'd love to explore how knitting can support your mental health and nurture your wellbeing, consider joining my NNK2tog member's club. With exclusive knitting patterns, nourishing recipes, and a supportive group of like-minded crafters, you'll find a wonderful space to explore creativity and self-care.

Click here to learn more!

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Knitting is a superpower! It can help you to feel calm and relaxed. It can distract you from the worries and stresses of life.

Clare Crouch

The Vibrant Health Coach