Knit 1, Purl 2. Knit 1, Purl 2. Despite being a pastime for grandmas world-wide, knitting is becoming the next crafting craze of the century. Knitting and crocheting are appealing to the younger generation at a shocking rate, plus, with hidden benefits, needlework is a must for everyone. In case you doubt why you should join the ever-rising craze, for starters, 62% of knitters surveyed said that knitting helps relieve stress and studies have shown that those who knit have a slower heart rate and are more relaxed than those who don't. The calming, repetitive motions of knitting echoed by the soothing "click-clack, click-clack" of the needles give the mind a much needed chance to unwind and the privileged knitter has more balance in their life.
Additionally, studies have found that those who have a lower heart rate also have lower blood pressure. Not only do knitters reap the immediate benefits from knitting, but they also knit with their future health in mind. According to Dr. Robert Friedland, an associate professor of neurology at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, adults who stimulated their minds during the younger years of their lives with hobbies such as reading, sculpting, or knitting, were 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's. Two and a half times. That fact alone should be evidence enough to convince you to join the surge of new knitters rushing out to their local yarn store to pick up a pair of needles and cast on.
Maybe you’re not too concerned about long term health issues now, but you'd rather focus on your current figure. Don't reach for the latest diet book, but instead grab your trusty knitting needles and a plush skein of yarn. Not trying to be too obvious here, but when both your hands are busy forming a sweater from a piece of string, it is nearly impossible to munch on that bag of Lay's Fried Potato Chips while watching the evening news.
Not only can knitting help you loose weight by keeping you busy with another pastime besides eating, but this inexpensive craft can also help smokers curb their need for nicotine. Smoking and other bad habits often form when people are bored, but when you know how to knit, those days of aimlessly wondering around the house looking for something to do are over! Countless people have found that a simplistic and affordable way to eliminate their addictions for food, nicotine, or other harmful things can be cured simply by two needles and a ball of yarn. Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting.
Socially, knitting can be a groundbreaker for shy people, or it can be a way for others to meet new people who share the same interests. It’s clinically proven that healthy lifestyles include letting your emotions out, and what better way to share your thoughts or gab about your chaotic day than while you have peaceful needles traveling methodically though your fingers and a cup of hot tea steeping at your side? Knitting groups are the perfect way to find new friends, to adjust socially, or a great way to learn a beneficial skill with a few close friends.
Despite all the medical benefits, the psychological benefits, and the social advantages knitting offers to those so fortunate to be a part of the exciting movement of craftsters, the main reason people knit, and the reason why you should too, is because when it comes down to it, knitting is just plain fun.
