The Health Benefits of Hand Knitting
Hand knitting has found new life in today's generation of women who are looking for new ways to relax and unwind after busy days at the office or with the kids. There are many reasons why knitting has become popular once again, from the ability to begin completing projects rather quickly to the satisfaction of wearing a piece that has been handmade by you. Hand knitting is also a relatively economical hobby to enjoy, since it requires little more than a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn. But did you know that knitting is also good for you? Regular knitting sessions have been shown to benefit your mind, body and spirit.
Good for your Mind
Many studies have shown the benefits of exercising your mind daily to ward off conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. If you have ever perused a hand knitting pattern, you know that it takes a degree of thought to process the information and use it in your craft. If you have never knitted before, now is the perfect time to learn this hobby, since reading books and taking classes are also good ways to exercise your brain and keep it healthy in the senior years of life.
Good for your Body
Many people have found that regular knitting sessions keep their fingers limber and their hands strong, which can help to prevent painful conditions like osteoarthritis later in life. If you already have arthritis, short bouts of knitting can help to strengthen your fingers to keep the pain and stiffness at bay. Talk to your doctor about whether an activity like hand knitting might be helpful for your arthritis symptoms.
Good for you Spirit
Just about anyone who has ever tried this needlecraft would agree that hand knitting is a relaxing hobby. Some have even compared it to yoga in that it offers a balance between physical development and mental strength. For most, it just feels good to sit down in the evenings with a ball of yarn and a pair of knitting needles. If you enjoy watching television or listening to music at night, hand knitting gives you something to do with your hands and a sense of accomplishment while you are enjoying other activities that you love.
Hand knitting is a wonderful way to nurture the mind, body and spirit, and finish some really cool projects at the same time. If you have never picked up a pair of knitting needles before, maybe now is the time. You will certainly reap plenty of benefits for doing so.
