Does knitting really help with stress and anxiety?

Does knitting really help with stress and anxiety? 🤔💭💆‍♀️ #mentalhealth #selfcare #mindfulness #knittingtherapy #anxietyrelief #stressmanagement

I sure hope so!!

Today, as I dropped off my baby girl at school, I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions. It's one of those moments when stress and anxiety overwhelm this mama's heart, and I get sucked under the flood.

But guess what? We have a secret weapon in our hands that can help us find serenity amidst life's challenges—knitting.

While it is certainly not a replacement for our faith or professional mental health care, it can help with stress and anxiety.

It's incredible how those yarns and needles can create a cocoon of comfort, guiding us into a world of calmness and peace. Whether we're knitting intricate patterns or simple stitches, the rhythm of the needles has a unique way of soothing our souls and quieting our minds.

Still skeptical?

Actually, there is evidence to support the claim that knitting can reduce stress. Numerous studies have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of knitting for mental well-being. Some of the key ways knitting may help in stress reduction include:

❤️Mindfulness and Relaxation: Knitting involves repetitive movements and rhythmic patterns, which can induce a state of relaxation and mindfulness. Engaging in these repetitive motions can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

❤️Stress Reduction Hormones: Knitting and other forms of crafting have been found to increase the production of dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters associated with happiness and relaxation. These "feel-good" chemicals contribute to stress reduction and improved mood.

❤️Distraction from Stressful Thoughts: Knitting provides a focused and absorbing activity, diverting attention away from anxious or negative thoughts. This distraction can be an effective way to cope with stress and manage anxiety.

❤️Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a knitting project, no matter how simple or complex, can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. This positive feeling can counteract stress and promote a sense of fulfillment.

❤️Social Connection: Knitting circles and communities offer opportunities for social connection and support. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share a passion for knitting can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation or stress.

Researchers continue to explore the potential psychological benefits of knitting and other creative activities. As more studies emerge, we gain a deeper understanding of how knitting and similar crafts can positively impact mental health and stress reduction.

When life gets overwhelming, knitting offers us a refuge—a mindful practice that allows us to stay present in the moment, focusing on each stitch and letting go of worries. It's not just a hobby; it's a powerful tool for self-care and healing.

I learned to knit when I was in a marriage that was controlling and dysfunctional. It was my go-to activity when I was overwhelmed. In the years since, if I find myself getting too stressed, I turn to my faith first and my knitting second.

So, take some time for yourself today. Pick up your needles and yarn, and let's knit together. Join me in finding tranquility and joy in the simple act of creation. Share your knitting projects, your challenges, and your moments of triumph in our Girlfriends Knitting community.

And if you enjoy my knitting content, please share it with others so that we have a thriving community that encourages and supports each other.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to knit—just your unique way of expressing yourself. The beauty of it all is that it's not about the end result but the journey—the joy we find in the process.

Your knitting (and slightly anxious) girlfriend,
Carolyn

P.S. Did you know that there was a ​Girlfriends Knitting podcast on YouTube​ and iTunes? Check out older episodes there now. Subscribe and stay tuned for more knitting inspiration! 🎧🧶