Lifestyle

Surprising Health Benefits of Crocheting & Knitting You Should Know

By  | 

Crocheting, knitting, and other thread crafts have been used for thousands of years. While knitting was once done for necessity to make blankets and clothing, it’s now an enjoyable hobby that millions of people of all ages have learned to enjoy.

Knitting or crocheting can be far more than a hobby, though; they come with a range of health benefits to help you feel better every day and enjoy greater mental health as you age.

If you’re not already a knitter, these perks may just give you the reason you need to pick up a new hobby.


#1 Boost Math Skills

Crocheting

Here’s a surprising but nice perk of picking up knitting: you can sharpen your math skills! Crocheting and knitting involve patterns, measurement, multiplication, and counting.

The good news is all of this math is done subconsciously. No need to exhaust yourself over math problems; you can hone your math skills and engage your brain while relaxing with a new hobby.

 

#2 Reduce Your Blood Pressure & Heart Rate

heart rate
Prescriptions and diet aren’t the only way to support heart health; crocheting and knitting are also powerful tools to help your heart stay healthy.

The relaxing benefits of crafting reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that hurts the heart and circulatory system.

 

#3 Keep Fingers Nimble & Joints Mobile

knitting

Crocheting, knitting, and similar crafts require small, precise movements, usually executed quickly. This repetitive exercise is great for keeping your finger joints flexible and your hand muscles toned.

It can also help maintain mobility if you have arthritis.

 

#4 Reduce Anxiety

knitting2

For many people, the repetitive and calming practice of knitting can be meditative. According to a 2013 survey of over 3,500 knitters around the world, more than 81% said they feel happier after knitting.

 

#5 Sharpen Your Memory

knitting-memory

Crocheting and knitting require remembering what you’re doing and where you are in the project, including how many rows go into each step of the project and which color comes next.

Knitting engages many parts of the brain, including memory, to keep your neurons firing and neural pathways engaged.