As the long winter nights envelop us in cold and darkness, a deep-seated sense of unease can creep into our daily lives. For many, the vibrant energy of summer fades, leaving behind a void that often echoes with feelings of lethargy and disquiet. But amidst this seasonal gloom, a soft glow emerges from the simple act of crafting—specifically, the rhythmic motions of knitting and crocheting. Armed with colorful yarn and needles, I’ve discovered a creative refuge that not only fills the long hours but also nurtures my mental health, transforming bleak evenings into cozy periods of introspection and joy.

As colder, darker nights roll in, I, for one, have been feeling a little lost; with my usual routine gone, and my summertime sports on the shelf for now, the winter blues have been knocking at my door.

During the chilly months, my evenings have morphed into creative marathons. I’ve been busily crafting gifts for the festive season while accompanied by the cheerful tunes of *Game Of Wool*. There’s something ineffably soothing about the repetitive motion of yarn passing through my fingers, providing a touchstone against winter’s bleakness. In fact, I often wonder—am I the only one finding solace in these crafts? To delve deeper into the connection between crafting and mental wellness, I spoke with Dr. Ritz Birah, a Consultant Counselling Psychologist and Sleep Expert for Panda London, and Jen Mak, a BACP-certified therapist.

Knitting and crocheting have been linked to multiple brain benefits

Emerging research illuminates the psychological advantages of engaging in knitting and crochet. A 2020 study, which surveyed participants about their experiences with crochet, revealed a striking correlation between the craft and enhanced personal wellbeing. Many respondents reported utilizing crochet to navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and even chronic pain.

• An analysis from the Journal of Gerontology noted that knitting has the potential to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, highlighting the brain’s intrinsic connection to crafting.
• A 2011 study emphasized that repetitive activities like knitting and crochet could act as a form of mindfulness, fostering emotional steadiness, particularly crucial during winter months when mood naturally tends to dip.

Dr. Birah elaborated on this notion: “One really helpful indoor hobby for mental health and sleep during the winter months is mindful crafting, like knitting or crochet. The repetitive, steady movements give your brain something simple and soothing to focus on, almost like a meditation you can hold in your hands.” He further explained that these gentle activities can calm the nervous system and alleviate anxious thoughts, rendering them especially valuable in darker, quieter months.

Concurred Mak, who described crafting as a way to stay “active” physically and mentally while confined indoors. She stated, “Those micro movements can help us mend bit by bit and we may find a little bit of joy as we do it. Focusing on one thing at a time can also be restful for those who struggle to sit with their own thoughts.” The dual handed activity of knitting and crocheting encourages a connection of feelings and thoughts in our brains, often without our immediate realization. Mak added, “When utilizing both sides of our body, we’re encouraging the integration of different feelings and thoughts, forming a patchwork of ideas and memories.”

Knitting and crocheting can be great for your self-esteem

Beyond their calming effects, crafting activities can significantly bolster self-esteem. As noted by *The New York Times*, while meditation provides mental relief, knitting and crochet yield tangible outcomes—beautiful scarves, intricate hats, warm blankets—that enhance feelings of accomplishment.

I have personally experienced this sense of self-worth through crafting, confirmed by both Dr. Birah and Mak. Dr. Birah noted, “Working on a small project in the evening can lower stress, quiet a busy mind, and reduce the kind of mental overload that often keeps people awake. There’s a quiet sense of accomplishment in watching a project grow stitch by stitch; it can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of purpose.”

Mak echoed this sentiment, stating, “Whether it turned out the way you wanted or not, you can’t deny that you made something. Enjoying the process of making for the sake of making can be particularly beneficial for anyone dealing with perfectionism or the need to be productive.”

Additionally, the practice of setting aside time for crafting creates a natural wind-down routine, largely beneficial when combating poor sleep quality during winter. “Spending this time away from screens in the couple of hours before bed sends a clear signal to the body that the day is winding down,” Dr. Birah concluded, emphasizing that mindful crafting can evolve into a restorative ritual promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and calm during long winter months.

As the winter nights stretch ahead, and with them the whispers of the winter blues, I find solace in every stitch and loop of my yarn projects. In this serene journey of creation, not only do I craft gifts bound for loved ones, but I also stitch together pieces of my fragile mental state. Indeed, as darker nights roll in, the art of crafting may just illuminate the path forward.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk