Quitting through knitting – a creative approach

A solution to the knotty problem of quitting smoking and avoiding weight gain has emerged from the field of crafts – specifically knitting.

Knitting could also help to reduce tension when prisons go smoke free, though that is possibly a longer shot.

In a blog in the New York Times, Jane E. Brody said that a recent e-mail from the yarn company Red Heart entitled ‘Health benefits of crocheting and knitting’ had prompted her to explore what might be known about the health value of activities such as knitting.

‘My research revealed that the rewards go well beyond replacing stress and anxiety with the satisfaction of creation,’ Brody wrote.

‘For example, Karen Zila Hayes, a life coach in Toronto, conducts knitting therapy programs, including Knit to Quit to help smokers give up the habit, and Knit to Heal for people coping with health crises, like a cancer diagnosis or serious illness of a family member. Schools and prisons with craft programs report that they have a calming effect and enhance social skills. And having to follow instructions on complex craft projects can improve children’s math skills.

‘Some people find that craftwork helps them control their weight. Just as it is challenging to smoke while knitting, when hands are holding needles and hooks, there’s less snacking and mindless eating out of boredom.’

Brody’s blog is at: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/the-health-benefits-of-knitting/?_r=0