The whole country is at stay at home order and let`s be honest - many of us feel down or anxious because we do not know when our life will get back to normal. Some of us will find some relief in a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine but while chocolate can boost your endorphins temporarily and a glass of wine may help you sleep while we have a solution that is longer-lasting and doesn't require consuming excessive amounts of sugar or alcohol to distress:
Hand knitting!
A technique developed by your very own BeCozi founder - Larissa Koedyker - Hand knitting is easier than knitting with needles and provides much more flexibility with how you handle your yarn.
Did you know that making something with our hands releases happiness hormones? Turns out as humans we are wired to create, and from our creations comes a reduction in stress and anxiety and a profound sense of pride and accomplishment.
"Research has shown that hand activity from knitting to woodworking to growing vegetables or chopping them are useful for decreasing stress, relieving anxiety, and modifying depression. There is value in the routine action, the mind rest, and the purposeful creative, domestic or practical endeavor." (source)
Using our hands to knit engages us in the process, it puts us in the zone and induces a state similar to meditation and yoga.
Remember the last time you made something with your hands? How did it feel? You might have experienced a sense of peace, calm, perhaps even euphoria? You likely wanted to shout it from the rooftops, or at the very least share it on yours Instagram or Facebook.
"The process itself provides value. If we can treasure doing as much as having done we provide new avenues for success, self-esteem or self-repair." (source)
Next time you are browsing on your device and feel your mood begin to drop, put the phone/tablet/computer away and take out your yarn. Feel its texture and shape in your hands, take the time to unwind however much you need to get started. Take a deep breath and begin. Take notice how much your mood has improved when you are finished.
We urge you to use this time to Hand knit, especially considering how easy and fun it is and how great it will make you feel!