The health benefits of knitting aren’t new. I blogged about the actual physical benefits of knitting earlier this year.
But it’s good for your mental health too. And so is baking. A recent study says that “creative activities like baking and knitting boost mental well-being.” And, reporting on the same study, “Feeling Down? Scientists Say Cooking and Baking Can Help You Feel Better,” notes that it’s all about getting creative.
New Zealand researcher, Tamlin Connor, found that participants in his study experienced a sense of “flourishing” when they engaged in little creative projects every day.
This confirms what I’ve always known. When I want to relax, cooking is my go-to, with knitting not far behind.
And ’tis the season for knitting and baking, baking and knitting, and knitting and baking some more!
And yes, these projects have increased my sense of well-being. A day when I get to stay home and cook and knit is a special day indeed!
And though this is not the Christmas pudding I will be making this year, here is a vegan steamed Christmas pudding recipe that might be worth trying. Here’s the one I have been making for over a decade, and I’ve converted it into a vegan version that turned out well the last time I made it.
Have you got a creative activity that you do regularly and have you found that engaging in it increases your sense of well-being?
I am so crap at knitting it hurts 🙁 have to get mum to do it haha
To me, cooking is therapy because I just throw things together without a recipe 90% of the time. Be relaxed, creative and it will turn out fine. It was my mother’s style also.
Baking was my partner’s mother’s creative expression and real skill ..It brought her and her family joy.
I used to sew 80% of my wardrobe, including business dresses, jackets…for decade or so. Then cycling came along, so abandoned it. But though I don’t buy much fashion and the whole industry, I do enjoy watching fashion shows….for the art of clothing design and fabric / colour combinations. Not quite a knitter..
Blogging IS creative for some folks, like myself who have a paid job that is slightly drier. Taken one tiny step up, it’s composing engaging personal blog posts with relevant quality personal photos. I’ve amassed a huge digital collection. 😉
I’ve painted on the side for past few decades. It addresses lifelong desire to be an artist but I had to settle for….a job-oriented degree.
https://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/balancing-between-active-and-cerebral-your-passions-for-life/
Creative exercise of the brain, etc., firing on new visions.