By now we all know that stress is not our friend. It causes us to get sick, gain weight, have sleepless nights, annnndd then the cycle begins again… but how do we reduce that stress level? Well, there are many ways, but today I want to highlight one that I practice: knitting.
The research is plentiful. Psychologists have found that certain repetitive movements enhance the release of serotonin, associated with good spirits. Think: rocking a baby, waves coming into the shore & then retreating out again, our yoga breath – there is a calming cadence to each of these. Focusing on these repetitive movements seems to put us in the present moment- they call it “Bilateral rhythmic psychosocial intervention”- it is very meditative, in a way. As our relaxation response increases, our blood pressure & heart rate lowers. Our cortisol level (think: “fight or flight hormone”) lowers, letting our body know that everything is A-OK, & that it doesn’t have to hold on to those extra pounds or suppress immune & digestive function. Many therapists use a technique called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), which suggests that the motion of moving your eyes from side to side, as you do when knitting, is very helpful in itself. Therapists use this technique when treating trauma victims. Not only does knitting have a way of alleviating symptoms of anxiety & depression, but it slows cognitive decline, improves motor skills, helps to prevent arthritis & tendonitis, and gives you a sense of pride in what you have created. In a world where so many of the things that we do are intangible, there is so much satisfaction that comes from creating something with our hands- turning a ball of yarn into a useful cozy blanket.
With all of that being said, I want to invite you to join us at BL for a few opportunities to reap the above benefits together. On Thursday, March 14th from 7-9:00pm, I will be hosting my last Brie’s Blankets workshop until Fall! There are a plethora of pretty colors to choose from. I will instruct you step-by-step as you hand knit an extremely fluffy blanket within 2 hours (see picture), and... there’s wine ;). We have also started up a really cool weekly workshop called “Knitting to Unwind”! Bring your project ideas & materials to Christine, & she will provide guidance & assistance for beginners & experienced knitters alike! Allow knitting to guide you into a state of mindfulness as you unwind & create.
