Surprising Health Benefits of Knitting / crocheting/ embroidery

Crocheting / Knitting has its practical uses as well as being an enjoyable hobby, and if you regularly reach for your wool, you are probably aware of just how relaxing this age-old pastime can be. Well, it seems that taking an hour out to work on a nice sweater or blanket has more benefits for your health than you ever could imagine. Research has shown that not only does knitting provide plenty of 'textile therapy', but it can have several other positive effects upon your physical and emotional well-being, some of which are really surprising...

1. It Performs the Same Function as Meditation  

Once you have learned how to knit/ crochet properly and you are able to work your needles without actively thinking about what you are doing, the whole process can be extremely relaxing. The repetitive action creates a rhythm that's great for clearing the mind and offers many of the same benefits as a meditation session. And by the time you've finished, you have the added comfort of crawling under, or into, the nice warm garment you've crocheted / knitted!     

 

2. It Can Improve Your Motor Skills  

The different actions and processes used when you knit are controlled in separate areas of the brain. This means that a good knitting session provides a wide-ranging, multi-layered 'work out' for your grey matter. It will exercise your frontal lobe (responsible for attention, planning and reward processing), the occipital lobe (tasked with processing visual information), the temporal lobe (which stores memory), the parietal lobe (which deals with sensory information and spatial awareness) and finally the cerebellum (responsible for precise and deliberate movement). 

 

When your brain sends signals to your nerves and muscles to perform desired actions, you are working your 'motor skills'. Keeping your motor skills supple is crucial to your quality of life. The benefits of knitting in this regard are such that is has been known to help people with Parkinson's Disease improve their motor skills.

3. It Protects the Long Term Health of Your Brain 

Not only does crocheting/ knitting have benefits for your motor skills, but it also promotes other forms of brain health. The stimulation of so many different sections of the brain as you knit/ crochet helps maintain cognitive function, particularly as you get older. Research by the Mayo Clinic has found that seniors who regularly knit and/or engage in other artistic hobbies are around 30-50% less likely to develop 'mild cognitive impairment' than those who do not.

4. It Can Help Prevent Arthritis and Tendinitis 

If you want your joints to remain healthy, then it's important that you use them. Moving the joints in your fingers will encourage fluids to move in and out of surrounding cartilage, keeping your joints well oiled and reducing the risk of arthritis. Research has shown that joints lose their structure and can break down if they are not worked regularly, and knitting/ crocheting is one of the best ways you can keep those finger joints supple. Soaking your hands in warm water before and after your session and using larger needles can help this process along. 

 

5. It Fights Anxiety, Stress and even Depression  

No matter how hard we try, it is inevitable that we will experience times of stress and depression at various points in our life. However, knitting can help you alleviate symptoms in a number of ways. Again, the 'rhythmic' nature of the repetitive motion can distract you from wider troubles, and provide you with what Clinical Psychologist Ann Futterman-Collier calls a 'vacation from problems'. The sense of focus will help keep you present and stop you worrying about the future, while the gentle nature of the pastime can help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure too. A couple of hours knitting can be a great tonic if you feel like the world is getting on top of you! 

 

6. It Gives You a Sense of Focus and Accomplishment 

As soon as you start to knit/ crochet that fluffy sweater, or warm blanket, you set yourself a goal. If you see that goal through, it is likely to provide you with a great sense of accomplishment and pride, and you should not underestimate how good that can be for your sense of self and your emotional well being. Knitting is not only a hobby, it has an end product too - and whether you present your finished item to a friend or family member, or simply cozy up underneath it yourself, the feeling of accomplishment can be great for your mood.

It gives so much satisfaction that you've done it with your own hands. I really feel happy carrying my own crocheted bags, sweaters. I like to have my own unique items. I've crocheted our cushion covers, now I do make animals with crochet, which makes your grandchildren happy, playing with them, making their own stories with the animals!

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

 

Making Art Is Good For Your Health. Mke it a habit

Whether it's woodworking, sewing or sculpting teeny cupcakes out of bright purple clay, making art is good for your mind and body.

The act of creation can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood, says Girija Kaimal, a professor at Drexel University and a leading researcher in art therapy. And flexing our creative side can give us a stronger sense of agency — the ability to solve problems by imagining possible solutions. 

Making art can also feel pretty awesome, she says. Engaging in any act of visual expression activates the reward pathway in your brain, "which is perceived as a pleasurable experience."

Artists say they often feel those positive vibes when they work. Trinidad Escobar, a Filipino American graphic novelist and poet based in Oakland, Calif., says that drawing "feels like a superpower." And Liana Finck, a cartoonist for The New Yorker, says sharing her art with an audience is "the most cathartic thing in the world."

But you don't have to be a full-time artist to get in on those health benefits, says Kaimal. All you need to do is just make art. And the more you do it, the better. Here are six things you need to know to kick-start your creative art habit.

1. You don't need to be an artist with a capital "A"
We tend to think that only people who are very skilled at art can call themselves artists, but really, anyone can be an artist, says Kaimal.

"Everyone is capable of creative expression," she says. In fact, her own research has shown that there are no differences in health outcomes between those who identify as experienced artists and those who don't. So that means that no matter your skill level, you'll be able to feel all the good things that come with making art. 

Christianne Strang, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, promises that if you stick with it, you'll enjoy it. In her 30-year career as an art therapist, she has found that "99% of the time, people find that if they give up the idea that they're not good enough, if they give up the judgment, making art actually feels good."

2. Figure out your mode of creative expression
Start with what you enjoy — maybe something you've done before, maybe something you loved as a kid. But keep an open mind.

"Anything that engages your creative mind — the ability to make connections between unrelated things and imagine new ways to communicate — is good for you," says Kaimal.

You can do that through myriad activities: finger painting, cooking, baking, collaging, oil painting, weaving, knitting, crocheting, writing screenplays, scrapbooking — the sky's the limit. And don't feel like you have to stick to one thing, say the art therapists. Mix it up — do whatever you're in the mood for. 

3. Focus on the making, and let go of expectations

Once you have your art materials, here comes the fun part. Mess around! Let yourself get lost in the process and just play. Because it's the physical act of making art, says Kaimal, that induces those feelings of stress relief and positive energy — not what you make or how you make it.

Kaimal says you don't even need to complete a project or like what you're making to feel those health benefits.

In fact, says Strang, that can be a positive thing. In her free time, she likes doodling, watercoloring and glass fusing. "Sometimes, when I don't like what I'm making, it frees me up to play and explore new ideas, because I've let go of expectations," she says.
 
4. Think about making art like any healthy habit, such as eating well or exercising

Just as you make time to work, exercise and hang out with family and friends, you should make time for your artistic endeavors, says Strang. "Creativity in and of itself is important for remaining healthy — remaining connected to yourself and remaining connected to the world," she says.

While there are no hard and fast rules for how much time you should devote to engaging in art, Strang has a suggestion: "as much as you can get away with."

Try to designate a special time in your week to devote to your practice, says Kaimal. She likes to set aside time on the weekends to work on her own art projects: mixed-media pieces inspired by nature. She calls it her "TGIS." "Thank God it's Saturday," she says. "It's my few hours of time to develop something I'm working on and really take that time for myself."

You don't even need a few hours. Escobar, the Oakland-based artist, teaches community art classes to people of color and members of the LGBT community. She says that doing just 10 minutes of art each day can do wonders.

Whatever you do, don't wait for creative inspiration to strike. "That's a myth that you'll create because you're in this altered state of mind and feeling free and loose," she says.

In addition to carving out time, carve out a physical space in your home for art, says Kaimal. She suggests setting up a corner table for your sketchbook and art supplies. If space is an issue, put it all in a basket or a plastic container that's easily accessible.

Your creative corner is "kind of like a reminder," she says. "It reinforces your commitment to invest in yourself and your well-being." 

5. Ride those waves of emotion
The more you're able to make art a regular habit, the more you're likely to get this great reward: this wonderful thing that happens when you're in the zone. Kaimal says that scientists have a word for it. It's called "flow."

"It's that sense of losing yourself, losing all awareness. You're so in the moment and fully present that you forget all sense of time and space," she says.

Escobar says she feels that flow when she's filling in lines with color, inking — which in the world of cartooning means tracing over pencil marks with ink — and when she's drawing aesthetically pleasing backgrounds, such as jungle or garden scenes.

"It feels meditative," she says, like things are "going well, smoothly, like the process is nourishing me."

6. Get yourself in the mood

Some days, you won't feel like making art. And that's OK, says Finck. As the author of several graphic novels, most recently Excuse Me: Cartoons, Complaints, and Notes to Self, she's used to juggling multiple projects.

"I get a lot of writer's block," she says. "It feels like stage fright when I sit down with a blank page."

To trick herself into drawing, Finck tells herself to think "that I'm just doodling," she says. "Then it flows freely."

If the block persists, she checks in with herself. What's stopping her from drawing? Is she anxious? Depressed? Worried?

"If you're too anxious to draw, address the anxiety. Go take a walk. Stand up from the couch. Go for a run. See a person," says Finck.

You can also try a breathing exercise, says Escobar. "Inhale for four seconds and hold for a second. Repeat that for about three minutes."

She does this with students in her art classes to help them reset and refocus after a long day at work — and it works, she says, like a charm. 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement 

Crocheting Can Improve Your Memory, Concentration, and Sense of Calm

According to a recent survey, crocheting can positively affect your well-being. They conducted a survey utilizing over 8,000 participants who were asking about their crocheting habits. Of this survey, an overwhelming majority of respondents were female (99 percent)—half of which were between 41 and 60 years old—and say that they pick up their crochet hook and yarn on most days, if not every day (77 percent).

Experts found that 90 percent of people said that crocheting made them feel calmer and 82 percent said it made them feel happier. Over 70 percent of people also felt that crocheting helped improve their memory and concentration. "The results from the survey show that crocheting provides many positive benefits for people in terms of well-being," a Dr. tells us. "Being aware that crocheting can provide positive benefits may encourage people to take up the hobby as a self-care strategy."

The final results are simple validation of what avid crocheters already know to be true: that crocheting can be used as a way of self-care.

Another common problem that has been researched in relation to crocheting is insomnia. According to the doctors, the easy, repetitive movements that make up crocheting can ease your body and mind to wind down enough to get to bed. And according to the experts, crocheting has also been shown to reduce anxiety by solely focusing on the project in your hands.

Whether you suffer from anxiety, insomnia or just really like crocheting, one thing thing is for sure—these results are motivation to try this hobby out.

I can assure you on what is said, as being a crocheter, I always felt immense happiness with whatever I created. You may have a pattern, but one has to use one's brain to implement the pattern and often make changes as per your need. This enhances your memory, keeps your brain sharp. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
                                                                                                                                                                      FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           
                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com 

8 sided smaller trivet, my own design, joined with a centre motif, for my daughter.



ring trivet, but this hasn't come out as well as expected, being my first attempt.

crochet trivet

this is my own design of smaller trivet with just 8 petals & 2 rows only !

crochet trivet wall hangars

the basic trivet design isn't mine, but joining them to make a wall hangar is mine, the top one was a challenge to join, as how to join 10 petals of the centre ( though they all have 10 petals) with 6 trivets . after a great deal of thought did manage to do so successfully.

the smaller one of 4 was easier to join.

Afghan- crochet

This is an afghan I made to gift to someone in UK ( little boy, Arlov)

Clowns- crochet

Crochet clown which I made for my grandson now, I had made slightly smaller, but not so colourful clowns for my daughter & son too !

BABY SWEATER- CROCHET

THIS IS THE SWEATER THAT I'VE MADE FOR MY GRAND-CHILD.

CROCHET BOOTIES

THIS BOOTIES I'VE MADE AS OUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW IS EXPECTING HER BABY IN DECEMBER. WISH HER ALL THE BEST !
I''VE MADE A FEW MORE, SHALL SEND THE PICTURES.

CROCHET BOOTIES

Crochet Cell Phone Cover

This Mobile cover, I made for one of the seniors' grand-daughter from New- Delhi, as she loved this thread, as she saw my hook case was made with this. Gifted it to her, good, as she stood 2nd in her school in 12th, with 92% , when the results were out after 2 days !

This is my own design. It has single crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch alternately in each row. Then joined the sides with slip stitch.

Crochet coaster

This is a small coaster, measuring around 5" in diameter, as I had used very thin cotton thread. This can be used as a glass coaster.

Crochet hook bag

I got this idea from a site, but this is my own design, as I'ld not follow that properly ! Anyway, managed it with my idea, also made loops inside to store my hooks, but haven't finished sewing one side & want to put a button on top !

Crochet Purse

I'm making this purse, only handles are left, this is made with a shiny silver thread. The purse is made in one single piece & folded & joined the sides.

small crochet purse

This is another simple & small crochet purse I made within 2 days ( not that I get time to crochet always). This purse measures 8/ 5 1/2 ", big enough to hold my specs, cell, small change purse & keys. Just ideal to use when I shift from here ! I just love purses & bags !

crochet afghan

This was the 1st afghan made by me almost 2 decades ago, this is 6' long & 5' broad.
this was made by making the blue squares, which were joined together with the next color, then each row was done on back loop only to get the ridge effect. you can do the same with any no. of colors or single color of ur choice.

Crochet Mat

this crochet mat is 13/18". this was made for my sister-in-law, as per her request. the design is quite simple, any length, first row was single crochet, then in the 2nd row on wards, started with 3 chain, 1 double crochet, left a single crochet, in the next 2 dc then cross dc on the missed sc, one ch., the pattern continued till the end.
If anyone wants more details, you're free to mail. then made a small edging all around with loops of 5 ch, then 3 ch last row.

crochet bag

This crochet bag was made from thick thread, one side has the shaded thread, the other green. It is made with half double crochet & slip stitch in each row, the next row over half dc is ss & hdc over ss. this gives a textured effect. As I wooden handles, after making the length I wanted, shaped for the handle, put the handle in & sewed it. I got pockets stitched on both sides with zip. It is quite big, around 16" / 15" I think. to be frank didn't measure.

ps= those interested in vegetarian, healthy recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

Small crochet purse

This is a small crochet purse I made just big enough to hold my cell, specs & keys, as it will be handy when we shift, as I need my specs to read the notice-board there !
i made this with the left over thread, hence it is sooo small, but fine, as I managed to put a handle too !
it is made with single crochet, folded into half the length I'd make, then joined the sides, made the handle.