British charity Knit for Peace conducted an extensive review of previous studies plus carried out a survey asking 1,000 members about their knitting experiences. This report only reveals what knitting hobbyists already know: it's a meditative hobby with calming effects. The repetitive movement simultaneously releases serotonin in the brain, distracting from mental and physical pains.
According to a survey published in The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81 percent of respondents described feeling happier after a session of needlework.
Additional research conducted in 2007 by the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Training Hospital found that the act of knitting lowers heart rate by an average of 11 beats per minute, eliciting a state of relaxation.
One study found that it reduces your chance of developing mild cognitive impairment by as much as 50%.
Respondents said that knitting helped them relax. Others claimed that it helped reduce anxiety and blood pressure, as well as counter depression. Other respondents reported that knitting helps to relieve arthritis and chronic pain.
And the good thing is knitting isn't just for grandmas anymore. Young kids are getting into it. Men are getting into it. It's actually very cool again. Learn the basics HERE.
(BHG) Photo: Getty/LukaTDB