The Healthy Benefits of Knitting That Will Make You Understand Why Your Grandma Is Always Smiling

It is that time of the year again when your grandma starts to take out her needles and begin knitting for the winter season. A study has found that people who knit as a hobby are less prone to having depression, are less likely to feel anxious, can slow the process of dementia, and are more likely to avoid chronic pain. Read on to learn more about the wonderful craft of knitting!

Beyond just the periodic movement of needles

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A knitting charity that knits for people who are in need conducted research and concluded that knitting can be healthy for people’s peace of mind and has its own health benefits. The study, backed by previous studies on knitting, carried out a survey on more than 1000 people who did knitting as a hobby or are involved in professional knitting. Most of the candidates who were involved in the study said that it has meditative benefits.

What goes behind knitting?

The continuous movement of needles while doing knit one and purl one results in handwoven scarves, warm shawls, and cozy pairs of beautiful mittens. But aside from all these amazing things, knitting also helps release the serotonin from the brain that helps distract us from physical and mental pains.

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Confirmed health benefits 

A study published in the Occupational Therapy Journal of Britain has concluded that more than 80% of the people who were surveyed for the study said that they felt happier after knitting. Another research found out that the act of knitting is beneficial in lowering the heart rate. The catch behind the study is that when a person does knitting, their heartbeat can decrease by an average of 11 beats per minute.

The continuous habit of knitting can play an essential role in the relaxation of the mind and gives power to the brain. It is a proven fact that people who always knit are 50% less prone to suffer from cognitive impairment. Most of the people said that knitting is beneficial for their mind as it releases their stress and helps in reducing anxiety.

Knitting kills loneliness

While knitting is often done as a hobby or out of necessity, it has been found to be beneficial for a healthy mind and heart. Knitting also kills depression. Usually, this hobby is associated with the elderly, and it now makes sense because it can fight loneliness, which is a plague that millions of elders face. This hobby also provides them with a feeling of usefulness, fulfillment, and inclusion. So next time you see your grandma, appreciate that scarf they knit for you from the bottom of their hearts!