According to new research, knitting may be the perfect antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Scientists have discovered that this hobby calms people with mental health problems.
Researchers have found that knitting brings tranquility and rhythm to life for people with mental health issues.
Dr Joanna Nordstrand from the University of Gothenburg said: “People who knit have an interest in creative leisure, which can also help them cope with life and improve their mental health.
“I'm sure this is part of the reason why so many people take up knitting these days.”
Knits have become a trend and in 2022 knits were considered the Christmas gift of the year.
The study, published in the Journal of Handling Science, looked at the health implications of knitting for people with mental health issues.
Researchers analyzed 600 posts collected from Ravelry, an art forum where knitters discuss their hobbies.
(Photo credit: Caroline Feelgood via Pexels)
The study found that knitting brings relaxation to people, provides a sense of identity as a knitter, and is considered acceptable even if one comes from a lower social background.
Knitting brings structure to people's lives and improves their mental health.
A knitter who took part in the study said: “The nurses wanted to put me on anti-anxiety medication until they told me I would be better off knitting for my anxiety.
“She stopped, looked at me and said, 'This is much healthier than drugs.'”
Those in the study found knitting to be a highly valued profession that improves short- and long-term health.
Another knitter said, “While your hands are busy doing something, your mind slows down and you can actually think about one thing at a time, rather than going through 20 or 30 threads at once.'' Now we can,” he added.
Some knitters noticed changes in their mental processes, stating that their thoughts became clearer and more manageable while knitting.
Professor Birgitta Gunnarsson said: “The purpose of an occupational therapist is to help people function better in their lives.
“The needle and thread have potential that health systems should not ignore.”
