Not Just A Hobby, It Turns Out To Be Good Stirring For Brain Health

JAKARTA - Who would have thought that activities that used to be synonymous with grandmother's hobbies have now returned to a trend? Moving, which used to be considered ancient, has recently become popular among young people.

Data from Eventbrite shows Generation Z's interest in grannycore activities, such as knitting communities and handicraft classes, has increased rapidly in recent months.

The reason is that many young people feel bored with the digital world and look for calming activities. But apparently, the benefits of knitting far beyond nostalgia.

A number of recent studies reveal that this activity can help maintain brain health, strengthen memory, regulate emotions to reduce stress.

This activity combines fine motor coordination, creativity, and rhythmic movement with both hands. This combination makes the brain work more widely.

"Any form of creativity is beneficial," said Emily Sharp, an art therapist at the NY Art Therapy, quoted from the National Geographic page.

He explained that repeated movements with both hands created bilateral stimulation similar to EMDR therapy. The effect can reduce levels of cortisol (stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine related to pleasure.

Alvaro Pascual-Leone, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School added that activities such as knitting also involve brain dopamine systems.

"This activity can increase focus and potentially delay the decline in cognitive functions due to aging," he explained.

Interestingly, dopamine generated from knitting is different from instant dopamine from social media or sugar.

"It's not good if there are too many dopamines, it's not good if there are too few. A stable and fun brain function is better than a chemical explosion," added Pascual-Leone.

For those who are already good at knitting, the cognitive benefits may be reduced. According to Pascual-Leone, the secret to the greatest benefit does not lie in its hobby, but in the process of learning new things.

"If you've never knitted, then the knitting feels perfect. But if you're professional, don't feel it. It still gives a sense of achievement, but the main goal is to make the brain face challenges that have never been done," he said.

New things force the brain to start a different neural path. When used to it, it can actually be a calming meditation. The process of challenges to being proficient is what maintains brain function.

The decline in brain function actually started long before the symptoms appeared. Therefore, training the brain through creative hobbies can be an important investment in long-term health.

"Hobis that challenge the brain will be very beneficial for brain health in the long term," said Lakelyn Zamenberger, a gerontologist from HomeInstead.

According to him, hand-based creative activities help strengthen brain connections, something much needed when the aging process makes neurons decrease naturally.

Activities such as guilting, embroidery, etching, making pottery, to wearing a book also provide similar benefits.

More than just brain training, activities such as knitting also have social and emotional effects. Joining a knitting group or handicraft class can help reduce loneliness, especially when a person enters retirement.

"People involved in this activity often feel happier, healthier, and more satisfied with their lives." added Zazeenberger.

Research in BMC Public Health also supports this. The hobby of hand creativity improves psychological well-being. Research in people with Parkinson's found creative art therapy can help improve memory, motor susceptibility and emotional resilience.