Written by: Kathleen Kelley, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
With the weather getting cooler and my daughter back at school, I’ve been spending even more time knitting than usual (is that possible?). I knit because I love it and it reminds me of my grandmother. She taught me so very long ago. I know she’s proud every time I pick up my needles. I’m the only grandchild she taught to knit. I love that her legacy lives on in every piece I make.
I’ve often wondered, “Is there more to it? Why am I so obsessed with needles and yarn and textures and colors?”
Yes, there is more to it
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, called knitting a “cosmic thing.” He incorporated knitting into the education of young children to improve attention. Hannaford (2005) suggests people think better while they are engaged in a repetitive, low-concentration physical task. For me, I get bored if the pattern is too easy. There is a balance among concentration, attention and enjoyment. Some authors talk about flow state (Csikszentmihalyi) – which is a balance between challenge and ability. Anytime you are engaged, stimulated AND relaxed, you are in flow. Flow is stress-free BECAUSE you are engaged yet relaxed. I know when I have the combination of a challenging and interesting pattern, beautiful wooden needles and yarn I carefully chose – flow comes easy. There was a time when I would only knit during re-runs (thank you Peacock for bringing back Charmed). However, I’ve noticed that, as I look for more ways to reduce stress in my life, I gravitate towards harder patterns and no TV. This combination, for me, seems to create the best flow.
Benefits that I have noticed include feeling more relaxed, feeling calm, and feeling creative. I love to keep my hands busy; I think it’s one of my favorite stress relief tools.
Turns out, I’m not the only one who finds knitting relaxing. 😊
Benefits of knitting
Corkhill (2014) refers to knitting as a type of meditation and discusses the benefits of knitting as it relates to well-being. Turney (2009) describes how the rhythmic nature of knitting creates a calming effect. Adey (2017) states that knitting helps distract us from worries. Anecdotal evidence from bloggers and websites also suggest that knitting provides a sense of autonomy, a social outlet if you knit in groups and helps knitters find their creativity. Rusinol-Rodriguez (2020) showed that knitting with and for others has benefits such as increased perception of personal autonomy, motivation to continue crafting and a sense of social interaction.
So, everyone needs to learn to knit? Currently the American Council for Crafts estimates there are 100,000 million knitters in the United States. That’s almost 1/3 of the total population!! I’m thinking their numbers might be off, but, hey, the more the merrier.
Hobbies and brain health
But no, not everyone needs to knit. BUT everyone needs a creative outlet for their brain. Creativity engages the right hemisphere of the brain. This is good news, as many of us spend our day doing logical, desk-type left brain tasks. To manage stress in your life, one technique is to engage the whole brain. Going from right to left brain during the same task is especially helpful. What do you know? Knitting uses both hands!
Here’s what I have to offer you today…look at your hobbies as a necessity for your mental health and well-being, not something you “earn” after the work is done. I’ve been teased for knitting, “That’s what grandmothers do when they retire.” What’s your point? One key to longevity and healthy aging is to keep your brain stimulated. I know some grandmothers (and one great-grandmother) who knit the most gorgeous pieces.
What is your hobby? Ask yourself:
Does it make me happy?
Do I get to be unplugged, away from electronics and interruptions?
Am I focused while doing it?
Am I calm and relaxed yet also stimulated? (This question is a key for achieving flow)
Hobbies are a side effect of modern living. We have more time for hobbies because we don’t have to grow or hunt our food. Make the most of your hobby. Let your brain relax and enjoy it! Haters will get no hand knits for Christmas 😉
“She works willingly with her hands.” Proverbs 31:13
Want to know more about how to relieve stress? Try my self-paced online course. In it you will find meditations and practices to get you started (sorry, knitting lesson not included): click here.
Interested in coaching but not sure it’s for you? I have (2) spots left in my September special: 6 Sessions for $600. Book your free call now to find out if coaching is right for you: click here.
Kathleen Kelley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Kelley is a professor of physical therapy, certified yoga teacher, certified neuro sculpting facilitator and certified life coach. She is CEO and owner of Kathleen Kelley Coaching. Dr. Kelley received her BS in physical therapy from the University of Connecticut, her MS in neurology from Boston University and her Doctorate in education from the University of Sarasota. Dr. Kelley’s passion for neurology, brain health, wellness and the importance of self-care led her to create her unique coaching program. She draws on her skills to empower individuals to shift their mindset, take control of their lives, set boundaries, say no and level up their lives by changing their thoughts. Dr. Kelley’s philosophy is anyone can change their mindset.
