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When Los Angeles-based Teri Slaven, 78, starts knitting, she immediately enters what she calls the zone.
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I feel busy, focused, and content, she tells SELF.
For Carolyn Barnes, 33, from Tempe, Arizona, its crocheting.
She started hernew hobbyafter a death in her family and astressfulphase of parenthood.
(Her sons were 1 and 3 at the time.)
I wasgrievingand really tired from motherhood," she tells SELF.
I didnt have anything left to give.
But I knew I couldnt give what little I had left to my phone.
I felt a sense of purpose, she explains.
Itll give you a sense of control.
Ashley Matskevich, MD, a Boston-based psychiatrist, often prescribes these crafty types of activities for stressed-out clients.
I recommend everyone have a third thing, she tells SELF.
Having agoal-focused hobbyreturns that ultra-important sense of control, Dr. Matskevich says.
That objective could, quite literally, be anything that piques your interest.
But for folks like Barnes, who are limited on time and accessibility (a.k.a.
These activities are beneficial because theyre so dependable, Dr. Matskevich explains.
Having something reliable, dependable, and that you’re in control of can be incredibly empowering.
I focus on improving at something thats just for my own satisfaction, she tells SELF.
You might enter a more mindful, less stressed state.
When youre particularly tense, theres a lot of extra activity going on in your brain.
Basically, knitting and crocheting can take the place of those nervous, undirected movements.
Repetitive movements, in and of themselves, can be soothing and provide distraction from stressful thoughts.
Knitting is engaging, but not stressful, Dr. Matskevich adds.
It requires focus, but not too much.
It doesn’t require a lot of motivation.
Thats true for Slaven, who finds that it helps her forget any problems shes having at the moment.
I can focus on a single goala sweater, scarf, or blanket, Slaven says.
Itll give you a chance to put perfectionist tendencies on the back burner.
Unless youre operating an Etsy shop,knitting and crocheting arent productivity- and perfectionism-driven, Dr. Matskevich says.
Most people I know who knit continue to knit.
Thats because youre going to continue to notice yourself getting better at it.
Of course, abandoning all perfectionist tendencies is a lot easier said than done.
But Dr. Matskevich says there are things it’s possible for you to do to help combat it.
This should be an activity that is inherently enjoyable and relaxing.
If logging miles on a treadmill or dancing to music are a better fit, go for that instead.
Though Barnes was excited to crack open her first kit, she assumed she wouldnt be very good.
Her first creationa little frogwasnt perfect, but she continued to improve.
Im doing something for me, but I can also give them out as gifts now, she says.
That makes me feel really good.
Youre giving your brain a workout in a low-lift way.
These types of activities can really help prevent mild cognitive impairment as people age, she explains.
Slaven says that knitting has definitely helped keep her brain sharp as shes gotten older.
5. you’re free to plug into a ready-made community.
There are also plenty of YouTube tutorials to help guide you, likethis one.
The beauty of these activities is that they are often intergenerational, she notes.
Why not ask a grandparent to join you?
It will likely be beneficial for both of you.
