According to a number of research studies, crafting is a wonderful way to improve our mood, boost our self-confidence and help reduce stress! Craft activities also help to enhance our brain function.
Crafting activities exert a positive impact on motor skills, which are movements like running, walking, stretching, playing tennis, dancing (gross motor skills) and fine motor skills such as writing, drawing, applying makeup and activities that require detailed actions of our fingers and/or hands. Actually, one of the markers/symptoms of cognitive decline (e.g. dementia) in the elderly is a degradation (diminished abilities) of those fine and gross motor skills. Thankfully, crafting and creative activities have also been shown to help decrease cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
In addition, multiple studies - formal and informal - have reported that engaging in creative activities can act as a natural anti-depressant. Studies also indicate that suffering due to PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia and chronic pain have been lessened in people who began to add some form of regular crafting into their lives.
One reason for that benefit is that the act of creating/crafting nudges our brains to produce dopamine - a neurotransmitter that helps us experience pleasure and enjoyment.
I don't know about YOU, but any time I am shopping for yarn (or related supplies), talking about crochet/knitting, or actually knitting or crocheting,... I'm in a good place!
Perhaps one of the best aspects to this reality is that when it comes to managing anxiety and/or depression, many of the pharmacological remedies come with side effects.
OK - there are a few that should be at least mentioned: more yarn than storage space, overstaying our welcome in the LYS, spending more money than we admit (to our partner, friends, spouse) on yarn and related supplies, and snips/pieces of yarn that stick to our clothing like pet hair. Still, these are minor issues when compared to the positives!
Whether you're carrying on a family tradition, learning new skills, keeping your hands busy (& out of the chip bag), making gifts for others or any other reason - take comfort in knowing that you're supporting your health and well-being; helping to stave off cognitive decline, and reducing stress in your life.
The next time you feel a little "blue", stressed, anxious or need a confidence boost; pick up your knitting needles or crochet hook, then Go Grab Some Yarn!
(C) 2023 Stitch 'n Dish
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