Moms: 3 Ways Knitting Helps you Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Being a mom is a rewarding and a never-ending job. Also, it can be overwhelming, especially now that we need to keep our kids at home. As a mother of two who is passionate about knitting, interested in learning the benefits of this craft, I have found 2 fascinating articles that will help you learn the wonders of knitting to reduce stress.

In the first article, “Therapeutic Knitting to ManageStress, Depression and Chronic Pain”, Becky shows how knitting is a form of mindfulness, wherein – as yoga—the rhythmical working of the same stitch calms the heart rate and breathing, leading to a state of inner quite. She also describes how some research suggests that the repetitive motions of knitting increase the release of serotonin (a hormone linked to pain and depression), therefore improving our mood and decreasing the sensation of pain.

Photo by Retha Ferguson from Pexels

In the second article, “The Yoga of Knitting: Peace in EveryStitch”, Michelle Dalbec shows some research that suggests that repetitive movements—like knitting— “can induce a relaxed state like the state associated with meditation and yoga.” Additionally, she describes other research where knitters where shown to increase their sense of purpose by creating something beautiful and useful.

Based on these two articles and my own experience as a person who has benefited from knitting in reducing anxiety, I have listed three ways in which this beautiful craft can have a positive impact on your health:

·         A mindfulness practice – the repetitive motions of knitting induce a meditation-like state of mind.

·         Reduces pain – knitting increases the release of serotonin, a natural pain reliever.

·         Sense of purpose – the notion of creating something useful and unique by yourself to give to your loved ones can help you reduce the symptoms of depression.

Starting today you need to consider learning this awesome and low cost craft that will help you keep your mind and body happy!

 

I am Bea, a mom of two and a passionate knitter on my spare time. I studied pharmacy in my home country, Venezuela, and got my Master’s degree in Communication in the U.S. I enjoy searching online about knitting and crocheting trends, patterns, and useful information. Feel free to reach me out to connect with me at @fbeatriz87