Knitting is known to be extremely beneficial to your mental health providing a calm and relaxing environment to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps to simulate the brain and improve your memory along with dexterity and patience. As well as all these health benefits knitting is a fun activity and you can get creative with making clothing, toys and even decorations! We never could have guessed this seemingly normal activity could have so many fun benefits. Read on to find out all the benefits of knitting and how you can help SPANA knit to help working animals around the world.
1. Knitting is an excellent remedy to help your mental health
Did you know that WW1 soldiers who suffered post-traumatic stress disorder were taught how to knit as part of their journey to recovery? The rhythmic and continuous movements of knitting helps release serotonin and appears to ease stress. The concentration required allows your mind to switch off and is a positive distraction from everyday stresses and calms your mind. In doing so knitting helps to lower heart rate and blood pressure, regulate anxiety and encourage happiness and a positive mood. What’s not to love!
2. It helps to prevent arthritis and tendonitis
Doctors suggest that making the cartilage in our hands stronger, to avoid future wear or damage to our bones, is pivotal to our physical well being. Knitting is the perfect preventative method for arthritis and tendonitis; even better than typing on a computer, as it is more laborious without being too extreme. (In any case, it’s easier than downward dog…)
Those suffering from arthritis have said knitting is an effective way to keep their hands moving. A study was conducted for people with arthritis to participate in a 12-week low intensity knitting program which revealed that patients reported a drop in pain and more movement in their hands.
3. Knitting is a great way to channel creativity
You may not possess the same flair for art as Picasso, but with step by step guidance, anyone can learn to knit, and well! Thinking about patterns and colours will stimulate your artistic side, which you can then go on to share with your loved ones by giving them custom made gifts! You can make clothing from hats and scarves to jumpers and cardigans, toys and even decorations like a cushion or basket.
4. It can help you expand your social circle
Ever heard of arts and crafts meet ups? Well they’re a pretty common phenomenon these days. During a typical session, you’ll talk to people from all walks of life and help each other progress with your pieces. A little encouragement can go a long way, and learning from the experience of others will add to your own. Win, win!
5. It will contribute towards improving animal welfare
By taking part in SPANA’s Big Knit for Vet Kit campaign, you can use our free knitting patterns to make a donkey, horse, ox or elephant, all to help us treat more hardworking animals in need.
You can ask friends and family to sponsor you, sell your creations, or send them to us and we’ll send them to our education projects overseas to teach children about the importance of animal welfare.
So as well as being good for both your mental and physical health, if you knit for SPANA, you’ll also be making a huge difference to working animals and the conditions that they have to endure.
If you’re eager to get your needles out and get started, download or request your free Big Knit for Vet Kit pack today.
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Knitting and crocheting for working animals
Using our patterns, you can craft your very own Duncan the donkey, Hattie the horse, Oscar the ox, Emma the elephant, or Clarence the camel!
Meet Val Pierce
We asked Val Pierce about what sparked her love of knitting, and what tips she has for you!