2019 Fall Brochure

5 Ways Crochet and Knitting Help with Anxiety Hand movements are hard work for the brain! Often they need to be bilateral, coordinated, and precise! Crossing over requires even more brainwork! Therefore, while knitting we distract the brain from paying attention to other concerns. “The feeling experienced as your mind flows into the movement of knitting can teach you what it feels like to be relaxed, and you can learn to recall this feeling even when you don’t have knitting in hand.” Repetitive Movement Many of us use repetitive movement such as pacing, rocking, tapping, smoking, drinking, eating, etc. to calm ourselves. Crochet and/or knitting use such repetitive movements that can ease even PTSD.

Sensory

There are so many beautiful colors and textures to choose from creating pleasing visual, tactile, and perceptual feedback to our bodies and brains! Hormones Hormones play a vital role in our moods. More serotonin is released with repetitive movement, which improves mood and sense of calmness. After you have learned to knit or crochet, it can also reduce blood levels cortisol (the stress hormone)!

How Crochet and Knitting Help the Brain

Knitting and crochet is a great way to combat anxiety. New neuropathways can be created and strengthened by learning new skills and movements. I am very excited for this opportunity to teach these skills as a tool to quiet the mind, mend the brain, and soothe the soul.

Portability Knitting and crochet can go almost anywhere with you!