Knitting for Stress

I found the following article on the net very interesting since the Holidays seem to bring on so much stress.
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It's probably not news to most crafters that activities like knitting and crochet can cause a relaxation response similar to meditation that can be quite calming (until you have to frog inches of knitting for a silly mistake, anyway).


According to a press release from Lion Brand Yarn, researchers from Harvard have found that knitters can actually lower their heart rate by about 11 beats per minute when knitting. While that study is several years old, the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine still notes that knitting, as well as rhythmic breathing, repetitive prayer, yoga and other meditative movements are quite calming. Doing any of these activities for just 20 minutes decreases metabolism, the rate of breathing and heart rate. Brain waves are also slowed.


Since the Institute says that 60 to 90 percent of doctor visits are for conditions related to stress, regular knitting can be a good way to take care of yourself. So if anyone in your family ever tells you you're knitting to much, tell them you're doing it for the sake of your health. ~ Sarah E. White, About.com Guide
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Now, where do I start?  There are some GREAT resources right on...

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Happy Shop'n!

Kim, Sunflower Antics