"
A recent review from Knit for Peace looked into previous studies that support the idea that knitting has both physical and mental health benefits.
Knit for Peace also conducted a study of 1,000 of its own members, about how knitting helps them in their daily lives.
They say: “There is an enormous amount of research showing that knitting has physical and mental health benefits, that it slows the onset of dementia, combats depression and distracts from chronic pain.â€
The review looked at research from Harvard Medical School's Mind and Body Institute, which found that the hobby induces the body's natural relaxation response and lowers the heart rate by an average of 11 beats per minute, meaning your blood pressure drops when knitting. This help induce an “enhanced state of calmâ€.
Knitting can also help distract from chronic pain, by turning focus elsewhere. And the repetitive movements you need to do to create a pattern help your body release serotonin, which is a mood boosting hormone that can also dull pain.
The Mayo Clinic conducted a study in 2011, which looked at a group of 70 year olds, found that the ones who knitted had a “diminished chance of developing mild cognitive impairment and memory loss.â€
Knit for Peace's own survey found that 70% of their knitters believed that the hobby improved their health - the main reason being that it relaxed them. It also revealed that knitting helps their members deal with chronic pain, with 21.4 percent reporting that it helps relieve the pain of arthritis.
Push Doctor's Dr Simon Latham says: ""<span< span=""></span<>
"
What’s the link between IBS and mental health?
How can you hear your own voice inside your head?
7 Reasons Why You Can't Sleep At Night, Without Even Realising
Can growing a beard benefit a man’s health?
6 stress management techniques to try at home
Staying Sharp: How to Look After Your Brain
4 unusual ways to improve your mental health
Blue Monday: How you can deal with the most depressing day of the year
How to get a good night's sleep - 43 ways to sleep better
How to de-stress with healthy recipes: Tastes Good, Does Good
How to deal with stress: 42 stress management tips
Mental Health Awareness: Ask The Doctor
6 mental health benefits of plants: Does Flower Power boost your mood?
How To Break Bad Habits: A Guide To Rewiring Your Brain
How Friendship Affects Your Health: Stress, Sharing & Good Habits
7 reasons why baking is great for your mental health
Push for Happiness: Work out your mental health
Mental Health: Speak out and see the difference
Push for Happiness - Food and your mood
How to deal with homesickness at university
Have yourself a stress-free Christmas
How to manage your mind: A doctor's guide
How to Sleep Well & Conquer Stress with Dr Punam Krishan
What makes you happy?
What is emotional intelligence?
How to get rid of anxiety
How does your memory work?
Time for you - The ultimate guide to caring for yourself
What is stress?
Everything you need to know about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Insomnia & Sleep Anxiety
5 Recent Breakthroughs in British Medical Research
6 Mental Health Benefits of Plants
Can growing a beard benefit a man’s health? (Clone)