This week I have been overwhelmed with work. I am working long hours. When I’m not working, I am stressing about work. When I am not working or stressing about work, I am stressing about not working.

I am also not knitting. I keep saying to myself “I am too stressed to knit.” Really? I think that perhaps I need a little reminder of why knitting is good for me. Perhaps you need one, too?

Here are some of the reasons why knitting is good for me:

1. Knitting is fun.
2. Knitting is peaceful.
3. Knitting contains rhythmic bilateral movements; these are good for the brain.
4. Knitting gets my creative juices running.
5. When I am knitting, I can zone out the world.
6. I often solve all sorts of problems while knitting, even when not thinking about them consciously.
7. Knitting can be a lovely solitary task.
8. Knitting can be a lovely social task.
9. The knitting community is warm and welcoming.
10. I love to wear garments and accessories that I have knitted myself.
11. I love to make hand-knitted garments for my family.
12. I get a kick out of seeing my family wearing things I knit for them.
13. The clothes I knit are way better than purchased garments – they last longer and fit better.
14. Knitting is a craft that has a long history; by knitting I become part of that history.
15. Knitting allows me to challenge myself.
16. Knitting allows me to explore ideas.
17. When you make a mistake, knitting can be easily ripped out and done again.
18. Knitting feels nice to the hands; it is a pleasing tactile task.
19. I can express my personality through my knitting.
20. Knitting allows me to be part of the community of makers.
21. Knitting gives me a vocabulary for discussing art, creativity, colour, shape, texture.
22. Knitting gives me an excuse to be quiet.
23. Knitting keeps my hands busy.
24. Knitting makes me happy.
25. Knitters are cool.

Have I missed any? Feel free to add your own in the comments.