Knit your way to a peaceful mind: Benefits of knitting for your mental health and body

One of my fondest memories from childhood is spending time with my grandmother. She was a strong, hardworking woman who cooked delicious meals, roasted her own coffee beans and worked tirelessly in our paddy fields. But what stood out to me the most was how, after finishing her evening prayers, she would settle down by the wood-burning stove in her kitchen, surrounded by her cats, and knit. Watching her hands move against the soft yarn, the crackle of the fire in the background and the aroma of dinner was magical to me. It felt as if the world slowed down in those moments.

Ironically, as a child, I wasn’t interested in learning how to knit even though my grandmother tried to teach me. I was too young to appreciate its quiet beauty. Now, many years later, I’ve started knitting myself and I finally understand what she experienced. Knitting, just like crocheting, is more than just a craft; it’s a way to relax, clear my mind and heal. I’ve realised how soothing the movement of the needles can be.

Australian psychologist Sahra O’Doherty elaborates that knitting and crocheting can be great for our mental health. They help to calm us down, make our heart rate and breathing steady and even lower our blood pressure. They allow us to slow down and take a break from our worries. Whether we’re looking for a creative outlet or a way to unwind, knitting and crocheting can be the perfect companion. Join us as we explore the benefits of knitting and crocheting for health and wellbeing.

Calm your mind and soul

Imagine the stress that our mind goes through everyday due to our various duties and responsibilities. Our minds are always thinking, about how we can finish a given task quickly, of how we can get through traffic, of what we should make for dinner or how we can care for our family. We  can almost feel the weight of it all. Today, many of us find ourselves unable to unwind between work, family and other things. That’s where knitting and crocheting can help.

The gentle motion of knitting needles or crochet hooks can calm our mind and bring peace to us. As we focus on each stitch, our mind begins to quiet down, allowing us to step away from our worries and clear our thoughts.

Improve your focus, one stitch at a time

Staying focused and attentive has become a difficult feat for many of us. With the constant stream of short videos and reels and the various online distractions, our attention spans have also shortened. This makes it hard for us to concentrate for longer periods of time. Here, traditional hobbies like knitting and crocheting can make a big difference.

Indeed, one of the great benefits of knitting and crocheting is that they help improve focus and concentration. When we’re knitting, we have to pay attention to small details, whether it’s counting stitches, following a pattern or fixing a mistake. This requires our brain to stay engaged and present in the moment. Over time, this kind of focus helps us to concentrate better and improves our mental wellbeing.

Find peace in the present

Have you ever noticed how often your mind drifts away? You may be trying hard to stay in the present moment, at work or otherwise, but your thoughts wander away to pointless or even painful thoughts. When this happens regularly, it can become hard to feel calm and find peace.

Mindfulness or the practice of staying present in the moment can be achieved by knitting or crocheting. By fully immersing yourself in knitting a cap or sweater, you can silence your distracting thoughts and connect with the present moment. Doing so can not only bring peace in the present but also support your mental health and help you feel less stressed in the long run.