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How to Participate

1. Share your stress reduction strategy by creating a new post

2. Include a clear title describing your technique

3. Write a brief explanation of how it works and why you find it helpful

4. Add a visual (photo, video, or AI-generated image) to demonstrate your strategy

5. Explore your classmates’ posts and try rating the ones that interest you

6. Leave supportive comments on strategies you’d like to try or have questions about

Remember: Everyone manages stress differently - be respectful and open-minded about different approaches!

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Forces to me stop for at least a second or two and have my mind focus on something else.

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Quick easy distraction, provides humor, makes me laugh

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I like to try to take my mind off of what is bothering me so I like to play a video game or watch a youtube video or a show or a movie to just take my mind off of whats bothering me.

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I like to try to take my mind off of what is bothering me so I like to play a video game or watch a youtube video or a show or a movie to just take my mind off of whats bothering me.

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It works because I am no longer thinking of the issue it isnt bothering me and I have my mind focus on whatever im doing.

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This helps me to sit with my feelings. It reminds me of when Dory says, "Just keep swimming." If I can ride out the bad feelings without reacting, I can usually get back to treading water. Having the visual in my brain helps.

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This article explains the many benefits - distraction, concentration, sensory of knitting or crocheting. I need to do it more!

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My background in neuro-developmental pediatrics and experience working with children and adults with brain injury, spinal cord injury, strokes, and neurological disorders, led to a fascination with neuroplasticity and the ability of the brain to "rewire" itself.

Because the practice of knitting/crochet is so helpful in dealing with anxiety, the ARC was the first organization I approached, and they, and you, were interested! I'm very excited for this opportunity to teach these skills as a tool to quiet the mind, mend the brain, and soothe the soul.

My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 8 years old, and I could hardly wait to join 4H knitting! I've been knitting or crocheting ever since. Now I'm exploring ways to combine these interests and abilities to improve the health and well-being of others.

Betty Corkhill, Knit for Health & Wellness - How to Knit a Flexible Mind and More, really helped me get started on my mission. I feel it is the best collection of anecdotes and evidence available.

Consider these seven reasons why knitting and crocheting can help you with your anxiety:

Hand movements

Bilateral, coordinated, precise hand movements are hard work for the brain, and crossing over midline requires even more brainwork. As a result, we are less able to pay attention to other issues and concerns. In other words, knitting "distracts" the brain.

Repetitive movement

Many of us use repetitive, rhythmic movement like pacing, rocking, tapping, picking, hair pulling, smoking, drinking, or eating, to calm ourselves when we are stressed or traumatized. There are many, many stories of people who have replaced an anxiety crutch with knitting or crochet. Knitters with PTSD report they have fewer flashbacks and other symptoms.

Safety "bubble"

Holding the hands together in front of the body creates the sensation of having a protective "bubble" of personal space and comfort and is especially helpful in threatening or anxiety-producing situations.

Eye contact is optional

It's totally acceptable in knitting groups to make eye contact only when you choose to. Same thing with conversation, although greeting others upon arrival, and saying goodbye when you leave, is recommended. Knitting groups are safe places where conversations about knitting often lead to other topics: and choosing whether or not to participate means that you are in control.

Portability

Knitting and crochet can go almost anywhere with you! Just tuck it into a pocket, purse, or tote, and a solution is always nearby for when symptoms of anxiety and panic arise. Even visualizing the movements and feelings of knitting can help in most situations. Any easy (mindless) project is best for places with distractions; a new pattern or technique is best for distracting the mind and growing new brain pathways.

Sensory

There are so many beautiful colors, an array of textures, and soft, bristly, smooth, or bumpy fibers to choose from! They provide pleasing visual, tactile, and perceptual feedback to our bodies and brains.

Hormone level

More serotonin is released with repetitive movement, which improves mood and sense of calmness. After you've learned knitting or crochet, it can also reduce blood levels of cortisol-the stress hormone.

New neuropathways can be created and strengthened by learning new skills and movements. As they become stronger with use, we "change our minds" to become quieter and more relaxed.

"The feeling experienced as your mind flows into the movement of knitting can teach you what it feels like to be relaxed, and you can learn to recall this feeling even when you don't have knitting in hand," a local knitter commented.

Betty Houtman is a nurse and lifelong knitter/crocheter. She is using her vast skill set to help people learn how to quiet the mind, mend the brain, and soothe the soul.

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How Crochet and Knitting Help the Brain - Anxiety Resource Center

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My background in neuro-developmental pediatrics and experience working with children and adults with brain injury, spinal cord injury, strokes, and neurological disorders, led to a fascination with neuroplasticity and the ability of the brain to "rewire" itself. Because the practice of knitting/crochet is so helpful in dealing with anxiety, the ARC was the first organization I approached, and they, and you, were interested!

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hanging out wiht friends , make me happy and distracts me

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When I am stressed about something I always just put on my headphones and listen to music. It helps me a lot to calm down and clear my mind.