Talk Therapy Might Work, But Fiber Therapy Is My Jam

It seems my love of yarn and all things fiber has spread far and wide and across age groups, too. While I adore getting lost in a book, I've had more trouble focusing these days. Luckily, I've found that a knitting or crochet project can help transport me just like a book can.

Plus, if I pick an easy project, I can listen to an audiobook simultaneously. This combo leaves no room for worrying or intrusive thoughts (totally winning, right?).

It turns out that using yarn to feel calm is a real phenomenon. In fact, an international survey of over 3,500 knitters found "...a significant relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm and happy."

Plus, there's physical science at work here: the act of knitting actually reduces your heart rate and blood pressure, much like meditation does.

What are you waiting for? Grab those needles and hooks, and never think of it as "selfish knitting" again. This, my friends, is self-care -- just like going to the gym.

Benefits

Induces the relaxation response

It lowers heart rate, blood pressure, reduces muscle tension and can help insomnia, depression and anxiety.

Improves mood

According to a survey of knitters who suffered from depression, 81% perceived that knitting made them feel happier, with 54% claiming to feel happy or very happy after knitting.

Increases confidence

According to a survey of knitters, over half (57%) said that knitting “usually” or “definitely” encouraged them to learn new skills, including other crafts, DIY, cooking, gardening, or computer skills.

Helps with trauma

After the Civil War and World War I, soldiers with shell-shock (what we call PTSD today) were treated in part with learning to knit. (For more on this, see my blog post Fiber Art Therapy for Soldiers).