Sewing, Knitting & crochet are good for you ( as though we needed an excuse !!)
Although it may seem like a daunting task, taking up a new hobby can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do we get to learn new things, but hobbies can also help improve our mental & physical wellbeing and provide us with an enjoyable way to relax.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of sewing, crochet and knitting – all of which have been shown to have positive effects on our mental health.
So if you're looking for a way to de-stress, why not give one of these activities a go? You may be surprised at just how beneficial they can be!
Let’s start with shopping and choosing your project. The simple task of choosing colours, threads, yarns and fabrics for your project is very therapeutic. Shopping for these wonderfully soothing items gets us into a calm mental state that allows us to escape from the stresses of our daily life. It also helps our mental health by releasing endorphins, (feel-good hormones that reduce stress levels and induce feelings of happiness and excitement.)
The huge choice of products available means that you can pick something you love, be that a favourite colour or a design that appeals to you. I love to knit in blue yarns and I also love to choose fabrics that are related to nature & cute animals like squirrels & cats.
When we get started with our project we have a set goal to work towards which can help to keep us motivated and focused.
If you are looking for help with mindfulness, the repetitive motions involved in knitting and crochet in particular (but also in sewing) can be very calming and mindful.
For people who suffer from anxiety and depression these mindful activities are excellent ways to relax which can lead to improved sleep and a more relaxing life generally.
Completing a project can give a feeling of control over our lives which can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The end result of a project, however small can give a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment too. We know lots of people who gift their makes to friends and family which again increases the feel good factor experienced when crafting. Similarly lots of crafters knit, crochet & sew for charities such as Project Linus uk who provide quilts & knitted products to ill and traumatised children & teenagers.
Do you have high blood pressure ? If you do then you may find that taking up a hobby like sewing & knitting helps reduce your blood pressure. Some recent studies have found that practising a hobby can reduce blood pressure levels.
So, if you're looking for a way to improve your mental wellbeing and improve your physical health why not give knitting, crochet or sewing a try?
These activities can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and they're a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. Not only that, but they can also help to improve your memory and reduce your blood pressure levels – what's not to love?
