Belly breathing. Most adults do not realize that they spend the majority of their lives breathing incorrectly and this is the cause of many major health problems related to stress. It amazes people to find out that a simple thing such as breathing can truly affect their health in positive ways. But what is belly breathing and why is it important to practice during knitting?
If you have ever watched an infant or toddler breathe you will notice that their stomach rises and falls with each breath. Somewhere along the line of growing up we lose the natural reflex of deep breathing and begin to practice what is called shallow breathing- where the breath stays high in our chest. This type of breathing actually encourages stress in our bodies. Some of the benefits to learning how to belly breathe include: increased oxygen levels in the lungs which, in turn, increases the oxygen in the blood stream, improved energy levels, elimination of toxins and a strengthened immune system, reduction of stress and anxiety and increased metabolism (which can also play a direct role in weight loss). So why belly breathe when you are knitting? First, because knitting is such an effective form of stress relief and relaxation. Combining knitting with an awareness of your breathing further enhances the stress relieving benefits of knitting. Second, because knitting forces you to be still long enough to be able to pay attention to your breathing. You might as well use your still time to bring some additional health benefits into your life. Goodness knows, most of us do not have enough of these still and quiet moments in our days.
In order to retrain yourself to breathe correctly, here are a few simple steps to follow next time you pick up those needles or crochet hook.
1. Place your hand on top of your stomach area. As you breathe, concentrate on making your hand rise and fall with each breath. Concentrate on filling your lungs up and then fully exhaling and emptying them.
2. Now that you have seen and felt correct breathing, pick up your needles and pay attention to your breaths while you are working, taking slow breaths in and out. If you are working on an uncomplicated pattern you can even inhale for a count of 8 and exhale for 8 counts. You can also add a 2-3 second hold between your inhale and exhale. You might feel a little light headed at first as your body gets adjusted to having enough oxygen.
3. Continue to pay attention to your breathing through your knitting session and feel yourself relaxed and with a little more energy than when you started. You may also find that practicing belly breathing for 5- 10 minutes before you start a complicated pattern may increase your attention and patience.
Happy breathing and happy knitting!
Everyone who knits or crochets has probably heard something about the therapeutic qualities needlecraft offers. However, no one ever really stops to explain exactly what these qualities are. After doing a bit of research I thought a blog post might help clarify the topic.
It is being reported now that stress may be responsible for up to 90% of medical conditions. There are a lot of people who make a lot of money helping people cope with the stress in their lives. Where does knitting fit into this picture?
1. Knitting occupies. People who are occupied feel less pain and depression. When the brain is engaged at something that requires attention and detail, it often forgets to remind you that something else is wrong. Knitting provides distraction but of the constructive variety and this can have a profound effect for someone who is dealing with stress, depression or chronic pain.
2. Knitting calms the mind. Engaging in knitting closely resembles the techniques of meditation and mindfulness practices that are employed throughout the medical community for the treatment of chronic pain. Knitting slows down the mind processes and allows for improved concentration. The relaxation that follows is also important to the process of relieving stress.
3. Rhythm, Baby! Although the exact reasons are not known, the rhythmic movement knitting provides is soothing. Knitting is logical- it can be done without too much thought once some basic concepts are learned. Simple patterns are best for someone who is looking to experience the healing benefits of the practice of knitting, although complicated patterns can fully engage the mind and increase a person's concentration on the process at hand.
4. Knitting is creative. Do not underestimate the effect that creative activity has the psyche. Knitting and crocheting allow a lot of room for creative exploration. With a few basic skills, needlecraft lends itself easily to interpretation. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with finishing a piece. Wearing or gifting a handmade piece is to give something original, bursting with good vibes and love in every stitch. The joy that goes into creating it cannot help but be absorbed into the fibers the knitter welds.
In short, knitting is beneficial in a multitude of ways. In the UK, knitting groups are even popping up in hospitals and therapy centers as a way to engage patients in a creative, relaxing activity. I envision that in the future we will see the popularity of this craft rising even higher then the surge it is already experiencing as an inexpensive and effective form of therapy.
