I ran across an old set of knitting needles today.

In the 2018 Winter Olympics, people from all over the world watched the Finnish team knitting. About half of the participating athletes were each making a square that would be part of a baby blanket for the presidential couple’s newborn son, born just before the games started. (Check out the Finnish Olympic Team’s twitter feed for more info.)

At the time, I thought it was a great way to share a little of their culture with the world. What I didn’t realize was that it was also a great way to help the athletes keep calm before their big events.

Yes, that’s right. Your grandmother’s favorite pastime comes with some very big advantages. According to a study done by knitforpeace.org.uk, knitting can do a lot for you.

The findings of the study list the following benefits:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Slows the onset of dementia
• Is as relaxing as yoga
• Distracts from chronic pain
• Provides an opportunity for creativity
• Increases sense of wellbeing
• Reduces loneliness and isolation
• Increases sense of usefulness and inclusion in society

This is a pretty hefty list. And it seems to cover more than a few of the distinctly Nordic traits I’ve been studying.

Perhaps it’s time I dust off those wooden knitting needles and create something of my own.

What did I learn from this?

Knitting is good for your health.