How do you want to keep your brain healthy as you age?
There are lots of brain training apps and costly programs you can buy. But the truth is…
You may already have the best solution to healthy cognitive function tucked away in your craft basket.
Yes, hobbies like knitting, crocheting, and other tactile crafts can actually be some of the best things you can do to improve cognitive health. Here’s the research to prove it.
Plus, the best part about tactile hobbies is that they’re
Fun. Cheap. Something pretty much anyone can do.
Let’s Get Into It!
- Why Tactile Hobbies Are Important for Brain Health
- How Tactile Activities Help Your Brain
- Science-Backed Ways Knitting Helps Prevent Cognitive Decline
- Essential Tools and Supplies To Have On Hand
- Learn To Knit Today
Why Tactile Hobbies Are Important for Brain Health
Before diving into how crafting benefits brain health, let’s discuss what tactile hobbies are.
Anytime you’re picking up materials and working with your hands, you’re engaging in a tactile activity.
Examples include knitting, crochet, woodworking, pottery, sewing, and quilting.
These activities aren’t just helpful ways to pass time…
Researchers say they can actually help keep your brain sharp.
Per findings from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, a massive 45% of cases across the globe can be prevented by modifying risk factors. Tinkering with hobbies during mid-life was one of many suggestions they had to help with dementia prevention.
Guess what else involves tinkering with hobbies mid-life?
Tactile hobbies!
Not only do they require you to learn new skills, but many of these activities also require you to follow patterns or create your own. Knitting no longer counts as a passive activity because you have to think and engage multiple brain systems.
Here’s the difference…
While watching TV may relax you, your brain isn’t doing much.
But when you’re crafting, you have to think about what you’re doing every step of the way. It may seem easy picking up those quality ChiaoGoo circular needles for knitting, but your brain is working hard!
How Tactile Activities Help Your Brain
Okay, but how do tactile hobbies specifically help your brain?
It has to do with how much of your brain you have to use.
In order to knit, you have to use your motor cortex to move your hands.
You have to remember what you’re knitting from a pattern. You have to problem solve if you make a mistake or don’t understand a stitch.
You have to exercise your executive function by planning your next steps and sequencing.
All of these actions allow your brain to release dopamine, too.
According to a featured article by National Geographic on the neuroscience of crafting, tactile hobbies allow you to engage your brain’s dopamine system, allowing you to feel more focused and warding off cognitive decline as you age. Unlike dopamine rushes from social media or sugar…
…the gratification you feel from crafting takes longer. And that’s better for your brain.
Science-Backed Ways Knitting Helps Prevent Cognitive Decline
This part is going to blow your mind.
One study done by The Mayo Clinic showed that those who participated in crafts like knitting had a 30 to 50 percent lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
You read that right.
Doing something as simple as knitting can reduce your risk by up to half.
But wait, there’s more.
How does this work?
By participating in activities that require mental work, you build up something called cognitive reserve.
Your cognitive reserve helps protect your brain from damage.
Here’s how it works.
When you learn new knitting stitches or take on more difficult patterns, you develop new pathways in your brain. These pathways help your brain send signals should other areas start to become damaged.
Also, did you know that knitting actually exercises both sides of your brain?
In order to knit, you have to use patterns with both hands. You have to consistently move your stitches from left to right and vice versa.
This bilateral coordination forces both hemispheres of your brain to work together and communicate.
Knitters who knit at least 3 times per week had significantly higher cognitive function later in life than those who knit once a week or less.
Needles To Have On Hand
While having the proper yarn is important when learning to knit.
If you try to start knitting with needles that aren’t high quality, you’ll never make it very far.
Many new knitters give up because their hands get tired or they can’t seem to find the right needles to work with their yarn.
This leads to frustration.
And who wants to be frustrated when learning something new?
When it comes to knitting, your needles are EVERYTHING.
ChiaoGoo Red Lace Needles have got you covered though. Their seamless joins and flexible cables reduce stress on your hands when knitting for long periods of time.
Knitting can be very hard on your hands and wrists.
Make sure you have the proper tools to keep your hands healthy too.
Learn To Knit Today
There you have it!
Learning how to knit is easy and a fun way to pass the time. Don’t overthink it by trying to learn the hardest pattern out there.
Remember…
Start with simple projects that only teach you the basics. Once you have your foundation, you can tackle more difficult patterns.
When you are learning, you are developing your brain.
Every new skill you learn how to knit forces your brain to think. Not only that, but each new technique you learn strengthens existing neural pathways.
Here are a few more tips to get the most out of your new hobby:
- Consider joining a group or taking a class. Social interaction can also help stimulate your brain.
- Try to practice a few times a week for consistent gains.
- Continually challenge yourself with new patterns.
- Try to learn new techniques every once in awhile.
- Take your knitting outside! Make sure you get some fresh air too.
Wrap Up
Listening to music or watching TV are passive activities.
Your brain isn’t exerting much energy to do the things you love.
But when you’re knitting, you have to think about what you’re doing each step of the way.
Activities that you have to learn and participate in are going to help your brain stay sharp. Crafting is a great way to do this because there is so much variety in what you choose to do.
Quick recap:
- Tactile hobbies keep you thinking on multiple levels.
- Just knitting can reduce your risk of cognitive impairment by up to half.
- Invest in good tools. ChiaoGoo Red Lace Needles are great for knitting.
- Practice every chance you get!
- Craft with others for extra benefits.
Better late than never right? It’s time to pick up those needles and yarn.
You can thank yourself later!
