Knit for Mental Health

Knit for Mental Health

There has been a growth in knitting and crochet among a much younger demographic than what you may originally picture when think of who might knit and crochet. In doing some research online I was able to find some relevant material to support this. I will list the studies at the end if you want to learn more about it. 

Studies have shown key health benefits in knitting and crochet, among many other creative outlets. Some of these include:

• lower blood pressure
• reduce depression and anxiety
• slow the onset of dementia
• as relaxing as yoga
• distracts from chronic pain
• opportunity for creativity during lower ability to be productive
• increases sense of well-being
• reduces loneliness and isolation
• increases sense of usefulness and inclusion in society

In a study on avid knitters, the respondents discussed that they felt more relaxed, relief of stress, and a boost of self-confidence. There was a significant relationship between the frequency of knitting and higher cognitive ability while also feeling happier to have improved social contact and communication with groups of like-minded people. 

It is recommended to have a holistic method of caring for your mental health. Taking up knitting and crochet alone is not meant to be a quick fix, rather maintaining the creative activity while having face-to-face interactions, staying active, keeping an eye on your stress, eating healthy, and sleeping well are all major proven methods of addressing mental health concerns. Studies have shown that knitting and crochet are another tool that you can use because of the connection between art, healing, and health.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first described a phenomenon called flow: "a few moments in time when you are so completely absorbed by an activity that nothing else seems to matter". Flow, Csikszentmihalyi says, is the secret to happiness. This "flow" is something we all know very well in the knitting and crochet community. We get hooked (pun intended) for hours! "One more line" will forever be the most knit and crochet saying ever. 

Study between Knitting Frequency and Cognitive Ability

* Study: Knitting and Well-being