Any hobby that appeals to you Let’s disconnect from everyday problemsand diverting our attention towards pleasant activities is good for our mental health, according to psychologists. Whatever hobbies make us happy, which serve as therapy, it is important to cultivate them in our daily lives.
But also, among all the entertainment possibilities, which are infinite, a recent one Cardiff University study in the UK it has just been concluded that there is a more complete hobby from the point of view of physical activity emotional well-being and relaxation: sew.
The therapeutic power of enjoying our hobbies
Dancing helps improve self-esteem
We’re very used to hearing that physical activities like dancing, or more leisurely activities like meditation, are the best way to do this work on our mental health. Psychologists certify that whatever our hobby, practicing it will always be beneficial, helping us to feel fulfilled, to disconnect and to see life from another, more relaxed perspective.
However, the findings of the recent study by Cardiff University concluded that sewing or knitting, an increasingly popular activity among the population, has an impact true therapeutic power.
Sewing, the best therapy for maintaining mental health
Knitting is one of the most comprehensive hobbies for achieving emotional well-being.
Focusing on the scientific study, and on the positive aspects of sewing in all its manifestations (crochet, knitting, cutting and sewing, embroidery), we might think that it is an activity not recommended because promotes a sedentary lifestyle from which all “healthy” messages flee. From Cardiff they tell us that, contrary to what it might seem, sewing is extraordinarily beneficial for your health.
And the act of sewing not only involves an activity based on mechanical movements, but also puts our brain to work quite significantly. By moving our hands to both sew and knit, we permanently activate neurotransmitters, responsible for keeping neurons fit and connected.
Research shows that sewing is real therapy concentration of forcesto maintain interest in achieving goals, to keep the mind dynamic and to find mental peace while practicing it.
What are the benefits of sewing for our well-being?
Sewing releases serotonin, the happiness hormone.
In addition to the psychological benefits of sewing that we’ve talked about, researchers talk about a number of physical advantages compared to other hobbies.
On the one hand, knitting or sewing causes a state of well-being similar to that of meditation
The general state of relaxation caused by sewing brings benefits to our cardiovascular systemwhich directly translates into a reduction in blood pressure. But this hobby is also linked to the reduction of chronic pain, especially that resulting from arthritis or osteoarthritis.
In addition to its many benefits, sewing brings happiness to those who practice this activity, even when they are satisfied that the work has been completed. At that moment, that of reaching the goal, the body secretes hormones such as oxytocin or serotonin.
Sewing helps us socialize and stabilize mental health
In many cases, sewing helps us create community.
Another of the great advantages of this hobby that many people in Spain already practice, both by knitting with crochet or with needles, and by embroidering, is that invites us to socialize, to form a communityand this has a lot to do with mental health too.
creativity The high level of concentration it requires also plays an important role in this shared activity, which will help us, according to experts, to concentrate better on the rest of our day’s tasks.
What are some other hobbies that can promote mental health benefits like sewing?
Interview: The Therapeutic Power of Hobbies – A Conversation with Dr. Jane Collins, Psychologist and Researcher
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Collins! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the intriguing findings from the recent Cardiff University study about the therapeutic benefits of sewing and other hobbies. To start, can you explain why engaging in hobbies is so crucial for our mental health?
Dr. Jane Collins (JC): Thank you for having me! Engaging in hobbies provides a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from our daily stressors. Psychologists argue that these activities can help foster a sense of fulfillment, promote relaxation, and allow individuals to engage their minds in a positive way. Essentially, hobbies act as a form of therapy.
TNE: That’s fascinating! The study highlights sewing as particularly beneficial. Why do you think sewing and similar activities stand out compared to other hobbies?
JC: Great question! While many hobbies like dancing or meditation have well-documented mental health benefits, the recent research from Cardiff University points to sewing and knitting as uniquely comprehensive. Unlike some activities that may only engage the body or mind in a limited way, sewing requires a balance of focus, creativity, and motor skills, which activates various neurotransmitters in the brain. This engagement is crucial for mental well-being.
TNE: It’s interesting to think about how an activity like sewing, which is often seen as sedentary, can actually promote mental and physical health. Can you elaborate on how sewing impacts our brain?
JC: Absolutely! When we sew, we not only engage in mechanical movements but also stimulate cognitive processes. This can enhance our concentration and helps keep our neurons fit and connected. The rhythmic, repetitive nature of sewing is similar to meditation, which can help foster a tranquil state of mind and reduce stress levels substantially.
TNE: That makes complete sense. So, we might regard sewing as a form of mindfulness practice! What specific psychological benefits have been tied to this hobby?
JC: Indeed, sewing can be very meditative. Participants in the Cardiff study reported feeling a heightened sense of accomplishment and self-esteem after completing their projects. Sewing also releases serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone,” contributing to feelings of joy and well-being. Furthermore, it promotes perseverance and goal-setting, both of which are essential for a healthy mindset.
TNE: It sounds like sewing could be a great solution for combating mental fatigue in our high-stress society. Are there other physical benefits associated with sewing that you’d like to share?
JC: Yes, beyond the psychological aspects, sewing has physical advantages as well. Engaging in activities like knitting or embroidery can improve fine motor skills and coordination. Additionally, it can lead to a state of relaxation akin to that achieved through yoga. This state of relaxation can reduce muscle tension and lower blood pressure, reinforcing the idea that sewing is beneficial for both mind and body.
TNE: With all these benefits in mind, how would you encourage people to incorporate hobbies like sewing into their daily lives?
JC: I would suggest starting small. Set aside just 10-15 minutes a day to sew, knit, or engage in your preferred hobby. Creating a dedicated space for this can signal to your brain that it’s time to relax and unwind. As you become more comfortable, you can increase your engagement, finding joy in the process as well as the final product.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Collins! Your insights into the therapeutic power of hobbies like sewing have been enlightening. It’s clear that nurturing our passions can greatly benefit our mental health.
JC: Thank you! It’s vital that we recognize the value of our hobbies as tools for self-care and emotional well-being. The more we advocate for activities that bring us joy and peace, the better off we all will be.
TNE: A wonderful message to end on. Thank you again for sharing your expertise with us today!
JC: Thank you for having me!