As a super busy mother of three, I often feel like I have to justify the time I spend knitting. There are so many demands on my time, it sometimes feels a little selfish to prioritize what at first glance may look like a hobby. But, my friends, it is so much more than a hobby. Knitting keeps me sane, keeps me focused and, without a doubt, makes me a better person.
The Waiting Game
Every mom knows that raising kids involves a lot of… waiting. Waiting in the car to pick up a kid from school. Waiting at the doctor’s office. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Instead of letting myself get stressed about the million other things I could be doing, I knit. A few rows, a few more, and suddenly that seemingly wasted time turns into something tangible. Plus, I’m relaxed and ready for the next waiting game.
Time Out for Adults
But what if there isn’t built-in knitting time in my day? Do I skip the needles? No! I take it as a much-needed timeout. Because sometimes, I find myself on the verge of losing my cool, unable to handle situations that require patience. (Can anyone relate?) And so, I knit. Sure, those first few stitches are often tight and stressful, but soon the rhythm takes over and I can feel my body relax, my breathing slow, and before long I’ve got things back in perspective. It’s pretty amazing the peace I get from something as simple as knots in yarn.
Positive Thoughts
Knitting can also help me escape a tough moment… or appreciate a wonderful one. When I’m working on a simple pattern, muscle memory guides the needles and my mind is free to roam. I might find myself thinking about my kids, spending five rows reflecting on one child before turning my attention to the next. It’s rare for any of us to truly pause and appreciate the things that matter most, but knitting creates space for exactly that.
Better Than Counting Sheep
And then there’s bedtime. I think it’s clear by now that knitting helps me relax, but when I’m lying wide awake in bed, it’s not always feasible to pull out my needles and start clicking away (or, at least, my husband doesn’t think so). Good news, though — I’ve found that just picturing the movements in my head, almost like meditation, has the same soothing effect. I picture my needle going into a stitch, the yarn wrapping around, and before I know it, I’m out. I realize imaginary knitting may sound a little crazy, but trust me, it works even better than counting sheep. And it’s the best way I know to set the stage for a good morning.
Interested in learning to knit
I loved this article. I find myself also benefitting from my knitting in those same ways. I am the only knitter in my family so I didn’t have anyone to talk about it with to see if I was crazy or if other knitters felt the same way. Thank you so much for the great article.