Knitting: A great hobby to overcome body aches and pain

If a recent study is to go by, you don't need an expensive getaway to relax, opt for knitting instead. Read on to discover what the study found about the relaxation benefits of knitting.

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to relax from your busy schedule, you don’t have to look further than knitting.

According to research published by the University of Sydney, there’s a 40% less chance of developing dementia if you’re socially active.

Here’s how knitting can be therapeutic

According to an article by Kimberley Nanson of Sapphire Street, “knitting circles, teamed with knitting’s ability to evoke the relaxation response and its creative aspects like designing patterns, conceptualising a design and the maths necessary to formulate a pattern can keep our brains as well as our fingers nimble.”

The reason for this is that the repetition of anything including words, sounds, phrase and movements elicits the relaxation response. As a result, you experience a decreased heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension when you knit because knitting patterns are usually repetitive.

According to Pain UK, what makes knitting trump other relaxing activities is that it includes bilateral hand movements, which engage both sides of the brain and promote balance, harmony and rhythm.

Not only does this offer relaxation, it also reduces pain!

And if you think knitting is for the elderly, think again. Some of the top Hollywood actresses have taken to knitting. The list includes Scarlett Johansson, Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica-Parker and Julia Roberts.

So if you’re looking for the perfect relaxation method in a world where technology has taken over, knitting is your best bet.

Tags: knitting and relation, benefits of knitting, knitting can be therapeutic, health benefits of knitting, knitting and pain relief