Health benefits of knitting

There are many things knitting helps improve such as stress, anxiety, self-esteem, recovering from an operation and depression. As well as being enjoyable and relaxing. So how does knitting help?

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional if you have any of these or think you might please seek help and advice from a medical professional whether that is a doctor, therapist or councillor.

This has been the hardest post to write, I have friends who struggle with some of these and knitting has helped. I have also struggled with some of these and some I still do.  If you are struggling or are unwell remember things really do get better even if it might like feel like.  Sometimes life is hard, but it does improve.  I've included some links and numbers below for anyone who may need them.  As I wrote this I realized the same can properly be said about crochet too.  

[Start of image description: A photo of a bush with flowers on . On top of the photo is a white rectangle with the words "therapeutic knitting".  Underneath the photo is a sage green rectangle with two white stripes and the words "There are many things knitting helps improve such as stress, anxiety, self-esteem, recovering from an operation and depression. As well as being enjoyable and relaxing. So how does knitting help?". End of image description.]

What does knitting help with?

• Improved self-esteem
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Recovering from an operation
• Depression
• Managing pain
• Coping with chronic pain
• Recovering from brain injuries 

How does knitting help?

Creativity

Knitting helps by providing a way for you to be creative and express yourself without any judgement. There is so much you can knit and loads of different techniques and stitches you can combine.  Not to mention all the fun types of yarn there are like variegated yarn, self striping yarn, ombre yarn and self patterning yarn. 

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Accomplishment  

It enables you to see your progress and how you much you have accomplished whether it is starting to learn how to knit or are learning a new stitch or technique.  Then when you've finished you feel proud of what you have made and accomplished as well.  Therefore helping with the way you feel about yourself and improving your self-esteem.

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Purpose

It gives you a sense of purpose as you are doing something worthwhile especially at times you might not feel like doing anything or maybe can't do much due to illness or recovering from an operation.  If you wanted to you could also help others by donating your knitting to various charities. 

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Relaxing

By focusing on your knitting it allows you to be present and in the moment.  Therefore taking your mind off things by giving you something else to focus on rather than your pain or any problems you may have.  There is something relaxing in the click of the needles and the yarn in your hands - just don't let it put you to sleep.  Many times I have seen knitters knitting dozing off while knitting though perhaps the funniest is when they are dozing off but still knitting.

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Socializing

There are quite a few knitting groups around that you can join and meet new people and make new friends, some of these run free which is great.  Knitting classes provide another way to meet new people and learn new skills at the same time.  Socializing helps by getting out of the house, being around others and making friends. If you can't get out of the house whether it is from being too unwell or from anxiety there are some great craft websites that you can join and chat with other knitters eg. Love Knitting. 

Places that can help provide support

• Your local doctor
• Your councillor 
• Mental health nurse 
• Peer support worker 
• Life coach or Health improvement practitioner (some doctors clinics now have these) 

If your in New Zealand here are a few places that help and provide support

• Lifeline - phone 0800 543 354 or TXT 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865
• Healthline 0800 611 116

If you aren't in New Zealand I am sure there are at least a few places around that provide support.  If you goggle mental illness help (country) or chronic pain (country) etc.  

If you can't find any places that provide help and support please seek help and support from your doctor as they often know the best places who can support you.  

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[Start of image description: A photo of an enchanted forest. On top of the photo is a white rectangle with the words "therapeutic knitting".  Underneath the photo is a sage green rectangle with two white stripes and the words "Health benefits of knitting". End of image description.]

Thank you for visiting Cozy Woodland Cottage Knits!

[Start of image description: Arjaye's signature with two toadstools in between the letter j and the letter y. Next to it is a fairy with blue hair, a green wreath headband, blue lips and yellow wigs, she is wearing a sage green dress. The fairy sitting on top of a yellow toadstool with blue dots and blue underneath the toadstool. Next to the fairy is a black cat holding a turquoise ball of yarn. End of image description.]