Editor’s Note: I was doing grandma hobbies long before I became a grandmother, or in my family, mommmom. Thanks for asking: Jack’s 5, Grant is 14 months, they live in Atlanta, I see them fairly often, and they’re perfect.
That’s why I was intrigued by this news story from the Cleveland Clinic about the rising popularity of grandma hobbies like sewing or knitting. I still can’t wrap my head around how Joann Fabrics failed so spectacularly when so many people are elbow-deep into arts and crafts. Most of them didn’t look like grandmas to me, and now all of us are cobbling together other sources to satisfy our fabric/yarn/paint fix.
I’m a bad enough seamstress that it takes all of my headspace to make a simple hot pad or bag; I get in a flow state, happily passing the hours away; there’s no room for rumination when I have a seam to sew.
Why not embrace your inner grandma or grandpa this winter? Here’s what a Cleveland Clinic doctor has to say on the topic:
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to unwind at night, you may want to consider picking up a ‘grandma hobby’– like knitting, doing puzzles or baking. They have grown in popularity and for good reason.
“After a long day of work and decision-making, our brains become tired. Many people turn to the phone as a way to unwind, but this actually revs up your brain instead of calming it down. Crafting or tech-freehobbies is a way to move your mind into a state of calm,” says Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist atCleveland Clinic.
Dr. Albers says studies have shown that grandma hobbies, such as knitting, which include slow repetitive movements, can be relaxing. It reduces your stress hormones and calms your nervous system. She said the results are similar to mindfulness meditation. Grandma hobbies can also be rewarding since you are typically making something in the process. For example, maybe you knitted a hat or scarf, or made some delicious cookies.
Dr. Albers says another perk is that you can pick what to do based on your mood.
“Matchyour activity levels to the hobby that you choose. If you are feeling tired, choose an activity that has slow, repetitive movements, such as crocheting or knitting. If your brain is feeling alert, a brain puzzle, or putting together a puzzle, can help to tapinto your focus and concentration,” she suggests.
Dr. Albers says it’s important to remember that these hobbies are supposed to be a way to relax, so if you find yourself getting frustrated with the activity, you may want to try something else.
Judy Gurekovich
I agree! I have been seeing since I was in 7 th grade and began knitting 20 years ago. I can also crochet, needlepoint and counted cross stitch.
My absolute favorites are gardening and growing flowers for cutting.
And of course, seeming and knitting.
I am 71 years young and have one twenty year old granddaughter l
Jason Herring
Joann Fabrics may have gone out of business due to many potential customers shopping at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Walmart, and locally owned sewing stores instead.