Yahoo Autos Feeling Overwhelmed? Studies Show Knitting and Crocheting Can Help Lower Stress Levels
If getting through the past couple of years has left you feeling a bit unsettled, you're not alone: A recent study shows that American adults are still experiencing higher levels of stress than they were before the pandemic. So if you've been on the hunt for some good news, here it is: Research shows there's an easy (and fun) way to naturally improve your mental health.
Grab your knitting needles and dig out your yarn stash, because knitting, crocheting, and crafting have all been linked to lowering stress levels and increasing your body's dopamine production. If you don't have any of the supplies already, we've rounded up the best beginner craft kits you can order online to help you get started.
Guido Mieth Knitting has ben proven to ease stress and anxiety at home.
How Does Crafting Reduce Stress?
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy published a study about the correlation between knitting and wellbeing in adults. The study, which included data from more than 3,400 knitters across the world, found that there's "a significant relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm and happy." In fact, 81% of survey takers with depression reported feeling genuinely happy after knitting. The results also showed higher cognitive functioning in adults who had just spent time knitting. Plus, the hobby has also been linked to reducing arthritis and relieving chronic pain.
It turns out the repetitive nature of knitting and crocheting is what helps your brain relax, while the creative high of actually making something with your hands signals your body to naturally release dopamine, the "feel-good chemical" our body produces to make us happy. An article from CNN also backs up these claims: Research shows that leisurely creative activities (like crafting and sewing) can reduce your chances of developing mild cognitive impairment by 30% to 50%.
Keep in mind that while activities like crafting, knitting, and sewing have been shown to lower levels of stress, these creative outlets are by no means a cure-all for clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders. If you have persistent symptoms of anxiety and depression, seek help from a medical professional as well.
