Winston Churchill once said, “to be happy; one ought to have at least two or three hobbies.” My life does not have enough old white men’s influences because I took Churchill’s advice and found myself a new hobby. This is how I embarked on my knitting journey.
To start, I went to Dollarama and spent 10 dollars on two balls of yarn and a pair of 9.0mm knitting needles. With a YouTube video on “how to knit a scarf” playing in the background, I started to do something that has become an important therapeutic activity.
Of course, with anything new, there was a huge learning curve to overcome. Learning to manure sticks to tie knots to form a scarf was challenging. I can not tell you the number of times I somehow added a stitch or lost stitches, leaving “bald spots” in my projects.
The first projects I made were scarves and toques. I recommend starting with these easy items. My first creations were not good. They are keeping the spiders warm in my basement right now. Whenever trying out anything new, you cannot expect it to turn out amazing because it will not. You need to give yourself grace and time to learn how to do the hobby you are starting, or else it will not stick.
Over time, about a month, I finally started to catch on. It became like second nature to me. I would watch The Office while knitting, barely taking my eyes off the TV. The other night I fell asleep with a knitting needle in my hand. Whenever I tried to wind down after a long day of balancing eight courses and work, I would grab my needles and some yarn. Compared to the past, where I would try to meditate or journal, knitting was a much more effective way to relax. Mediating or journaling might work for some, but if you are someone like me who prefers doing things with your hands, knitting is definitely for you.
Since then, I have learned to depend on knitting to relax. I have noticed a reduction in my anxiety levels, even during midterm season, improved concentration in class, and overall I am happier. Naturally, I started researching if there was any scientific basis for what I was experiencing.
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy conducted a study in 2013 on almost 4000 people to find out the answers to the same questions. Researchers found a significant relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm and happy. Those who knitted daily reported higher cognitive functioning. Also, it was shown that knitting with friends or in a group increased perceived happiness and communication skills .
Although I can not attest to the benefits of knitting in a group, I can say I have experienced the therapeutic effects of knitting. I hope that students struggling with anxiety, especially during midterm season, find the time to relax at the end of their day with a hobby. If not knitting, another hobby that makes you happy.