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Day tripping (it's health care!)

Writer's picture: Rebecca (a yarn enthusiast)Rebecca (a yarn enthusiast)

In my previous post I highlighted the important role of Local Yarn Shops (LYS) in being a place for people with a fiber/yarn orientation to connect. In today's post let's celebrate warmer weather and the official end of the public health emergency (May 11) which means we have lots of opportunities to get out and about.


While taking a week at the beach or retreating to a cabin in the mountains is a great vacation option, we don't have to wait for the available time off or enough vacation funds to get some well-deserved fun in a new locale.


Exhibit A: the local (or regional!) yarn-themed event.


Lucky Pittsburgh-area yarn enthusiasts should mark their calendars to attend the inaugural (1st annual) Fayette County Fiber Festival on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10am - 4pm. Admission and parking are free!


Personally, I'm excited to see what all is available to learn, experience, EAT and purchase. I'm lucky to have an interested sidekick to come along, too (my sister) so it will be a day trip with company - a double bonus!


Research on mental health tells us that there is a correlation "...between travel and happiness." and notes that we can even get a mood boost from experiencing new activities and/or different (out of our normal habits) scenarios. The same article notes that "...the act of planning and getting away" can lift our spirits, improve the way we sleep, reduce our stress, and improve our day to day lives.


When we consider that other research has identified multiple health benefits to the practice of crocheting and/or knitting, a day trip to a fiber arts festival is a MUST for the Summer travel agenda!


In a study out of the United Kingdom (in collaboration with Knit for Peace), we learn that there are multiple positive benefits to be gained from knitting (and crocheting). These include:

• Lowered blood pressure

• Reduced depression and anxiety

• Slowed onset of dementia

• Relaxing (comparable to yoga!)

• Distracts from chronic pain

• Provides an opportunity for creativity (especially important as we age)

• Increased sense of well-being

• Reduced loneliness and isolation

• Increased sense of usefulness and inclusion in society

This year, give yourself the gift of travel, with some yarn woven in. You'll not only benefit yourself with a boost to your mental/emotional health, but you'll be supporting local/regional fiber artists so they can remain as valued members of your communities!


Enjoy, and keep on stitching!

 

(C) 2023 Stitch 'n Dish



Read more about the health benefits of knitting and crochet in this document (PDF)




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