There is a happiness at hand, simple and very relaxing, it is that which comes from not giving up, even in these psychologically stressful times, to one's passions, especially those related to 'doing'.
It has been shown that all manual activities can have a positive influence on psychophysical well-being, activities such as knitting, knitting, doing DIY, gardening to give examples.
Stress signals are lowered and our brains respond with calm, balance and tranquility when stimulated by an activity that we enjoy and that produces a satisfying result for ourselves, or for others.
From the survey conducted by YouGov for ManoMano - released on the occasion of the International Day of Happiness, established by the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization - it emerged that 40% of Italians dedicate themselves to gardening to be happy!
Bricolage and do-it-yourself activities also seem to have beneficial effects on mood: 28% of Italians say they dedicate themselves to it to feel better.
You don't need a green thumb
: to be happy it is enough to commit to doing what you love.
Over 1 in 2 people said they had practiced gardening or DIY activities in the last year to take their mind off everyday problems: this is the motivation that mainly pushes women (61%) to start new DIY and gardening jobs.
These hobbies are chosen by 50% of the interviewees, especially among those over 55, because they allow you to commit your time in an active way.
Happiness is also given by the satisfaction felt in seeing one's plants grow and home made creations come to life (48%).
79% of Italians said they had dedicated themselves to gardening and plant care.
And the dedication increases with age: those over 55 practice gardening more often, especially among women (84% against 73% of men) and in Northern Italy.
In particular, 51% of respondents said they had grown aromatic plants (such as basil and rosemary) in the last year, 38% bought plants and flowers to decorate their home and 35% had grown outdoor plants. and garden.
7 out of 10 Italians (71%) preferred
bricolage and do-it-yourself activities
: in the last year, also due to the long time spent at home, 45% of the interviewees found themselves fixing objects and 27% decided to freshen up their home by painting the walls and decorating the rooms (23%).
13% of men also created new furniture to furnish their home, while 22% of women, especially among the youngest, dedicated themselves to creating objects and accessories.
The activity of "knitting",
or working with knitting needles and balls, is practically a therapy, a powerful anti-stress, because it helps to free the mind from negative thoughts and, therefore, to relax.
Studies conducted by sociologists, researchers and psychologists have confirmed that knitting is also experienced both as a creative pastime and as a tool to relax or unwind after work activities.
Knitting stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for thinking and produces a calming effect, just like meditation, one of the eight pillars of yoga.
Yes… knitting relaxes like yoga!
Both reduce stress, making us reconnect with the deepest part of us.
The rhythmic and repetitive movements of the eyes, which follow the thread between the stitches, one iron after another and from one side to the other, combined with a good level of concentration on a single activity, produce a relaxing effect on our body. able to take your mind off your worries.