The Brain, Hands & Superpower
Did you know every one of us holds a superpower? It isn't quite like being able to fly, or invisibility or my personal favorite, telekinesis. It's more like being able to rip back a row of wonky stitches that are disrupting the integrity of your project and knitting a better one. Here comes the sciencey bit. I promise to keep it simple.
We are all built with a nervous system, which is our body's center of operations. The brain is part of that system and controls a slew of things from automatic processes like breathing and body temperature regulation to more intentional processes like movement and touch. Communication within the nervous system happens in the form of nerve cells or neurons. Neurons communicate with one another through electrical impulses. When a new connection is made between neurons a new pathway is laid down in the brain. I can't help but think of yarn as that impulse helping the needles communicate to lay down new rows of knitting. When we repeatedly engage in an activity or thought process we solidifying the pathway and making it stronger. Now this is where the super power comes in. The nervous system is designed to be changed. The brain has the capacity to reorganize itself and adapt to these changes. We can make those changes happen. We can get rid of pathways of negative thought processes and unfavorable habits and lay down pathways more conducive to our success. The gain of continual practice runs deep- molecular deep. Engaging in certain activities can have greater benefits than we imagine.
Brain cells that work together to carry out specific actions are referred to as neural circuits. These pathways in the brain relate to thought and movement. There is a particular circuit that when kept active boosts our ability to face emotional or external challenges, fortifies resilience and increases positive emotions. Two important factors are needed to power up this circuit. First, is physical activity that involves the use of our hands. Second, the outcome of the activity needs to produce something meaningful we can feel, see and touch. Knitting is one pastime that activates this circuit.
The benefits of knitting doesn't end there. A recent study claims older adults who knit regularly are 30%-50% less likely to experience mild cognitive impairment such as memory lapses and movement difficulties. I included a link to this article and other fantastic resources below if you would like to learn more.
I hope this leaves you feeling motivated and inspired. On March 1st I will be releasing the first kit that will help lay down new pathways and power up brain circuits. I can't wait to share it with you! Thank you for spending some time with me.
P.S. Do you want to learn how to knit or know someone who does? Keep your eyes on my social accounts for a chance to receive a kit that has all the tools needed to get started.
https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/index.php
https://secondwindmovement.com/neuroplasticity/
https://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Depression-Neuroscientists-Hands-Activating/dp/0465018149
