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Knit one, purl one, your way to some surprising benefits. While having a creative outlet like knitting helps to feed your artistic side and brings you joy, it also comes with some physical and mental health benefits too, according to Life Hack.
An international survey published in The British Journal of Occupational Therapy suggested that engaging in a creative and meaningful activity like knitting has a positive impact on a person’s personal wellbeing.So pick up some needles and yarn to reap these five health and wellness benefits.
May Help to Reduce Anxiety
Knitting is a calming activity that could help to reduce anxiety and stress, according to Mental Health America. In fact, a study of people with eating disorders showed that knitting had a significant effect on calming thoughts and reducing anxiety.
The repetitive motion of easy knitting projects where you do the same stitches over and over again, actually has the same effects on your brain as meditating. Everyone needs a calming activity when they are stressed, knitting might be right for you.
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Aids in Boosting Self-Esteem
Creating something beautiful could make you feel more productive and help to improve your self-esteem. Especially if you make something that you can share with others. When people show appreciation of your work, it can really be a big confidence booster.
Receiving compliments actually helps to light up the rewards area of your brain according to a psychology blog from Leiden University in the Netherlands. Besides boosting your self-esteem, receiving a compliment could also help you learn and acquire a new skill like an intricate pattern or design.
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Could Help Prevent Arthritis
Knitting helps to exercise your joints and keeps them healthy according to Life Hack. In fact, using your fingers helps to make the cartilage stronger instead of wearing it down. This could help stave off arthritis and the chronic pain it causes. Knitting can actually distract from chronic pain by keeping your mind focused elsewhere.
If you already have arthritis, you can continue to knit. You may want to use compression gloves and ergonomic knitting needles.
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May Help Improve Motor Function
Knitting stimulates almost your entire brain at once because you need to pay attention, plan, process information, and use your memory while you stitch. Giving your brain a workout helps to enhance your ability to recognize patterns and improve hand-eye coordination, according to a blog on Chartwell. In fact, knitting is being used to help people with Parkinson’s improve their motor functions.
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Could Slow Cognitive Decline
Stimulating your brain keeps it healthy because the more you use it, the healthier it becomes. In fact, according to a random study of 1,321 seniors ages 70 to 89 by the Mayo Clinic, 30 to 50 percent of the participants who engaged in crafts (including knitting) were less likely to experience mild cognitive decline. It could also slow the onset of dementia. Who knew that knitting could do so much?
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