A Solid Improvement In Life Quality Is Noticeable In People Taking Up Knitting
Almost 3,500 knitters were involved in a study led by knitting therapist Betsan Corkhill. For quite a while now, the beneficial effects of knitting on the mental well being of those who are practicing the craft, were a subject of debate.
While many knitters can tell you off the bat that knitting makes them calmer, happier and more accomplished, a scientific study was needed to bring home the point.
The study carried by Betsan Corkhill was aimed at seeing the effects of knitting on the mental health of the subjects. Most of those involved admitted that knitting is a way to unwind and relax.
As the subjects were monitored over a period of time, the scientist leading the study noticed that those who knitted more frequently were happier, less depressed and less anxious than those who knitted less often.
There are many benefits to knitting, especially within a group, the study shows. First of all, knitting is the ultimate exercise in mindfulness. Secondly, hand to eye coordination is developed.
Next in line is the improvement of problem solving skills. The icing on the cake is that people knitting in group also develop social skills.
All of the above contribute to an improvement in life quality. This leads to enhanced mental well being, and the fact proved by the study is that no effort needs to be put into achieving it.
“Using knitting to achieve a meditative state of mind could enable a much wider population to experience the benefits of meditation […] It happens as a natural side-effect of knitting,” the knitting therapist says as a conclusion to the study.
Don’t be surprised to hear about knitting being referred to as the “new yoga”. Achieving relaxation through meditation takes effort and it may require people to get out of their way to find a place, time, etc.
Knitting is not at all pretentious like that. Now you have it, in black and white: knitting is good for your health, and that’s final.
So, what do you think? Are you going to take up knitting?
Knitting is awesome! I’ve done it for years