| Just like stroking pets when you're anxious, knitting is a | | | | Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica |
| proven and productive method of relieving stress. | | | | Parker, Julia Roberts and Madonna have made no |
| Granted, you must take the time and effort to learn | | | | secret of their love of knitting. The ancient craft was |
| how to do it in the first place, but once you have | | | | dubbed 'the new yoga' and it's not only women |
| mastered the basics, there is no limit to what you can | | | | following the lead of these celebrities, men find knitting |
| do. | | | | relaxing too. In fact, my MALE best friend enjoys |
| It is interesting that once people begin knitting and find | | | | knitting scarves and my father taught his mother to |
| their own system, the act of knitting is like meditation. | | | | crochet! The industrious act of knitting whilst watching |
| The steady rhythm you get into once you get used to | | | | television can ease troubled and stressed minds and it |
| holding the needles helps to engage your brain and you | | | | is hugely rewarding when you can show off the fruit |
| begin to almost breathe in time to your stitches. You | | | | of your labours to others. |
| may even be aware of your hands knitting but you | | | | Having something to show for your efforts is a |
| don't have to think about what you're doing. Your | | | | massive confidence boost; you can save money by |
| thoughts can simply just evaporate and you can go | | | | knitting your own clothes or gifts for friends and family. |
| into a blissful trance-like state. For those who lead | | | | When you have an item of clothing that is exclusive to |
| particularly stressful lives, even just twenty minutes a | | | | you and others complement you on your talents, your |
| day of 'zoning out' or whatever you prefer to call it | | | | relaxing hobby has become a talent that gives you a |
| could aid sleep or allow a mind stressed to breaking | | | | new lease on life. Seize this opportunity with both |
| point to relax and regroup. | | | | hands! |