The health benefits of craft and hobbies.
The following article was published in The Irlam and Cadishead Times Magazine
There has been a lot of buzz around participating in handicrafts recently such as knitting and crochet. I know I know your thinking Knitting Nana's and crochet cronies! This Is not the case however many younger generations, male and female, in recent years have taken to the hooks including myself! The power of social media supports the breakthrough of this stigma and it is becoming more and more popular showcasing recently on popular ITV programme This Morning.
So what are the benefits I'm sure your asking?? let me tell you your in for a treat as there is more than just one!
Handicrafts have recently been scientifically proven to help improve multiple aspects of life. Taking part in activities such as sewing, Knitting and crochet have shown to stimulate your motor cortex, frontal and occipital lobes. This action strengthens your mind while slowing down cognitive impairment's such as Dementia and Alzheimer's disease before and after diagnosis, so no matter if you have been diagnosed and in the early stages or there is a history of cognitive impairments in your family history, handicraft can be a helpful tool to exercise your memory and slow down any signs and developments.
In an ever stressful world we live in mental well being is an ever growing awareness and we are more tuned into our emotions than ever before! Crochet and Knitting have been directly linked to stress and anxiety reduction. Working on projects and creating a practicle and useful object provides happiness, self satisfaction and a purpose while also providing a welcoming distraction and positive direction to focus your thoughts. The therapeutic elements of the repetitive action provide a soothing rhythmic motion helping ease thoughts and worries while also reducing hyperactivity and improving concentration and focus, a form of meditation if you will. Taking part in handicraft is a great way to take some needed self care time and detox from the digital world society lives in along with all its expectations, yet on the other hand there are wide online circles to showcase your skills, make new online connections and build your support circle and social skills as well as finding small intimate support/friend groups.
So if you or someone you know could benefit from some handicraft why wait another moment! Head over to HDT for the beginners Knitters and crochet session on a Wednesday and if you really cant wait you can search for online resources or a fellow handicraft-er to give your a hand!
