Happy holidays! Pandemic increasing your stress levels? Picking up a knitting and/or crocheting hobby as part of your New Year’s resolution can be the answer you’re looking for.
Studies show knitting has many psychological benefits, including improved wellbeing and quality of life, diminished intensity of negative thoughts and an enhanced sense of calm, and demonstrate why many will try out this time-tested hobby. Shira Blumenthal, crafting personality, anti-bullying activist, founder of #HatNotHate and ambassador for Lion Brand Yarn, can share some of the many mental health benefits of knitting and crocheting, including:
1. Getting more connected to others. Many of us are looking to build better relationships and new connections in our social lives. But that’s easier said than done when we’re still stuck at home. Try a virtual knitting circle, or a crafting-focused community experience such as The Shi Show. Studies show that participants in virtual knitting communities felt happier and enjoyed stronger social engagement with others.
2. Doing a better job managing stress. 2020 has been an undeniably stressful year. Research links knitting and crocheting to diminished intensity of negative thoughts and an enhanced sense of calm.
3. Learning a new skill. Picking up a new hobby, whether it’s knitting and crocheting or gardening, baking or hiking, comes with all kinds of benefits ranging from improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced depression and even positive changes in physical health.
4. Being more creative. Knitting and crocheting is a great creative outlet for master crafters or even people picking up the hobby for the very first time. Studies show that hobbies can inspire creativity and even improve productivity.
5. Taking a break from screen time. Even prior to the pandemic, more than half of teens and one-third of adults felt they’re spending too much time looking at their phones, leading to distraction and negative mental health effects like anxiety, loneliness and depression. Try swapping out your screen time for 30 minutes of knitting and crocheting and enjoy a reduced sense of isolation and increased well being.
6. Giving back. One of the unique benefits of knitting and crocheting is the end product – maybe it’s a scarf, a blanket or a simple set of potholders. Not only does this impart a sense of pride and accomplishment on the individual, it offers an opportunity to give back to others, whether it’s a gift for loved ones or a donation of a handmade hat to #HatNotHate to raise awareness around bullying prevention. This kind of giving back has been linked to greater satisfaction, lowered stress and even longer life.
In addition, please check out Lion Brand’s YouTube channel which features a wide array of easy how-to-videos for crafters of any skill level.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
