Knitting, embroidery, and other so-called "grandma's hobbies" are rapidly gaining popularity among young people. Representatives of the Zoomer generation are increasingly choosing crafts as a way to reduce stress, distract themselves from work, and limit their time on their smartphones.
The new trend is spreading especially actively among young office workers - bankers, IT specialists, marketers and managers. After a busy day at work, they are looking for an activity that will help them relax and restore emotional balance.
Experts explain the popularity of this type of relaxation by the peculiarities of the nervous system. Rhythmic hand movements while knitting or embroidering activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It is this system that is responsible for the feeling of calm and restoration of the body.
This allows the brain to transition from a state of constant tension to a more relaxed state. This principle is even used in psychotherapy, particularly when working with people who have experienced severe stress or traumatic events.
For many young people, crafts have become an alternative to the so-called "dumscrolling" - endless viewing of news and social networks. Instead of scrolling through the feed for hours, they prefer activities that allow them to create something with their own hands.
That's exactly the decision that American investment banking professional Emma McTaggart made. She started doing needlework to distract herself from her busy schedule and information overload.
According to her, knitting became a kind of therapy for her after a working day. Over time, this hobby grew into her own business - she began producing and selling embroidery materials.
At the same time, other hobbies that were previously associated with the older generation are also gaining popularity. Among them are gardening, origami, ceramics, embroidery, and even blacksmithing.
Psychologists explain that such activities give a sense of achievement and creative fulfillment. A person sees a concrete result of their work, which has a positive effect on their emotional state.
Additionally, such hobbies require concentration and attention. This helps reduce anxiety levels and allows the brain to rest from the constant flow of information.
Some young people even compare their hobbies to computer games. For example, they call birdwatching a “real-life game,” where each new species is perceived as a new level or achievement.
Experts emphasize that even a few hours a week devoted to a hobby can significantly improve your psychological state and help you cope with daily stress.
