Why is Knitting Good For You?
We live in an extremely stressful society. People are driven by a need for instant gratification which causes everyone to have to cater to that need. Unfortunately, this means that stress is a constant accompaniment for most people.
But, stress is not good for your health. In fact, excess stress has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even strokes. You need to lower your stress levels.
Knitting offers an array of health benefits, but, reducing stress has the potential to be the most important benefit.
The Issue With Stress
When you’re stressed your body releases the hormone cortisol. This tells your body to produce adrenaline, in reparation for fighting or running away; it’s an ancient automatic response.
Unfortunately, the production of cortisol shuts down the production of many other hormones, potentially affecting your health.
As your body doesn’t know the difference between a life-and-death scenario or a meeting with the boss, your stress response is kicking in many times throughout the day.
As mentioned, this stress then increases your risk of a variety of health issues.
If you adopt the right approach knitting can help to reduce this stress. You’ll need to start using an online wool store instead of expecting wool instantly.
You’ll also find that knitting takes your mind off other things, the focus is only on the knitting, this gives your mind and body a welcome break.
In fact, the reduced levels of cortisol allow your body to lower your blood pressure, reducing the risk of health issues.
Chronic Pain
Another reason that knitting is good for you is that studies have shown that the act of knitting can reduce incidents of pain in your body. The process of knitting gives you the physical and emotional support that actually reduces chronic pain!
Helps You To Be Social
Knitting is an activity done b yourself and yet it is becoming a great way to met people and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
Whether you knit at home or in a room with others, you can connect with people via the internet and create a social bond. There will even be local knitting clubs that will give you the opportunity to make physical contact with people
This is great for boosting your self-confidence.
Dexterity
The motion connected with knitting is not complicated but it does require your hands to remain dexterous and your brain needs to be active, in order to follow the pattern and make sure you get the knitting right.
In fact, this is effective at reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s as you age, simply because your brain is being exercised.
Research also suggests that the motion involved in knitting will help to prevent arthritis and other age-related health issues.
It’s important to note that although these benefits relate to health issues in older age, you’re never too young to start looking after your body. The earlier you start the better the habits you create and the more lasting the effect.
So, if you haven’t started knitting, it’s time you did.
