Knitting Could Promote Mental Health

Do you like knitting? Believe it or not, knitting could help you feel good, melt away stress, make more social connections, and stay in the present. This article discusses some of the mental health benefits of knitting.

Knit the Way to Your Happiness

The harmonious rhythm of knitting could help with the release of serotonin in your body. Serotonin, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acts as a hormone and is the chemical neurotransmitter that helps to regulate anxiety, mood, and happiness. Some research has shown that there is a strong association between knitting and feeling calm and happy in the brain.

Knit With Your Friends to Get More Social Connection

You could knit with your friends for more social interaction. This social aspect of knitting could also promote better mental health. No matter if it is done by real-life knitting circles or online groups, the support networks provide help with lowering anxiety and depression. The knitting circles or groups could also knit for charity. As a whole, giving back to others could make you feel good about yourself, and it has a positive effect on your mental health as well as increase your sense of well-being.

Knit to Stay More on the Present

Some research has suggested that knitting could help with being mindful and keeping your awareness focused on the present. When you relax into knitting, your attention could be kept on your breathing, taking time out of the others like worry and anxiety, and clearing your thoughts. Human brains are not equipped for all kinds of multitasking. It stands to reason that when you are knitting, you could force your brain to be in one activity at one time.

In short, knitting could promote mental health. If you are seeking a way to improve your mental health, give knitting a shot.