KNIT YOUR STRESS AWAY | Knitting for beginners, Knitting for stress relief, Phone boundaries, Doomscrolling solutions, Self-c

Nadine Medina (The Knitting Mamas)
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🧶 Knit Your Stress Away 🧶 The podcast for moms who want to knit instead of scroll. Tired of ending every night on your phone? I teach overwhelmed moms how to use knitting to calm your nervous system, set phone boundaries, and reclaim 20 minutes of peace. I’m Nadine—a mom who traded doomscrolling for knitting and never looked back. Whether you’re a complete beginner or getting back into knitting after years away, this show will help you trade screen time for something that actually makes you feel better. What you’ll learn: Why knitting calms your nervous system How to start as a total beginner Building a knitting habit with zero free time Phone boundaries that actually work New episodes every Wednesday. Short, practical, and always focused on one question: How does this help you knit instead of scroll? Put down your phone, grab some yarn, and let’s knit the stress away—one stitch at a time.

  1. 6D AGO

    #105 // Why knitting works when meditation doesn’t

    Ever tried meditation and felt like you were doing it wrong? Your brain won’t shut up, sitting still feels impossible, or you get 2 minutes in and reach for your phone? I’ve been there. That’s why knitting is different. In this episode, I’m breaking down the actual neuroscience of why knitting calms your nervous system—and why it works even when meditation doesn’t. You’ll learn: How repetitive motion activates your “rest and digest” mode Why scrolling keeps you stressed (even when you think you’re relaxing) What’s actually happening in your brain when you knit The physical benefits: lower cortisol, better sleep, reduced anxiety This isn’t just a hobby. It’s a tool. And once you understand the science, you’ll never look at knitting the same way. LINKS MENTIONED: Free guide: “Swap Scrolling for Stitching” Follow on Instagram Episode 1: “I’m Back—And I Finally Know What This Podcast Is About” RESEARCH CITED: Riley, J., Corkhill, B., & Morris, C. (2013). The benefits of knitting for personal and social wellbeing in adulthood: Findings from an international survey. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2), 50-57. https://doi.org/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077 Benson, H., & Klipper, M. Z. (2000). The Relaxation Response. Harper Torch. (Research on the relaxation response and its connection to repetitive activities like knitting from Harvard Medical School.) SUBSCRIBE: New episodes every Wednesday. Don’t miss the next one! LEAVE A REVIEW: If this episode helped you, leave a quick review—it helps other stressed moms find the show.

    19 min

  2. FEB 4

    #104 // Why I disappeared for 6 months and what’s different now

    I took a 6-month break from the podcast… and today I’m sharing the real reason why. In this comeback episode, I’m walking you through what life looked like behind the scenes, what I learned during that pause, and the new clear focus for Knit Your Stress Away moving forward. If you’ve been overwhelmed, overstimulated, and stuck in that “scrolling at 10pm but feeling worse” cycle… you’re in the right place.   In This Episode, We Talk About: Why I stepped away for six months (and why I have zero guilt about it) What it looked like supporting my oldest through college prep + homeschooling The clarity I gained about what this podcast is really about Who this show is for (and who it’s not for) Why knitting isn’t “just a hobby”… it’s a real stress-relief tool What to expect going forward (new schedule + episode style) The question that’s guiding every episode from here on out: “How does this help you knit instead of scroll?”   What’s Different Now This podcast is officially laser-focused on helping busy moms: ✅ calm their nervous system ✅ put their phone down without relying on willpower ✅ build a knitting habit that actually fits real life ✅ create small pockets of peace (even if it’s just 20 minutes)   Whether you’re brand new to knitting or coming back to it after years… I’ve got you.   🎁 Free Guide: Swap Scrolling for Stitching (It’ll walk you through what to buy, how to start, and how to build the habit even if you’re starting from zero.) Link: [ADD YOUR LINK HERE — keep as plain text]   Connect With Me Come hang out on Instagram: @theknittingmamas (I share beginner tips, simple teaching Reels, and real talk about stress + motherhood.)

    12 min

  3. 08/01/2025

    #103 // Summer Throwback: Starting Knitting Again After Years Away? Here’s What I’d Do Differently

    Welcome to our last Summer Throwback episode of Knit Your Stress Away— it’s been a cozy revisit to some of our most-loved episodes from the archives. Today we’re going back to a personal favorite where I share what it was like to pick up my knitting needles again after two decades away. Spoiler: it wasn’t as easy as riding a bike. 😅 If you’re a beginner—or someone returning to knitting after a long break—this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest mistakes I made, the lessons I learned the hard way, and all the things I wish someone had told me when I started again. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why perfection isn’t the goal—and what to focus on instead ✔️ The best beginner-friendly yarn and needle recs ✔️ How to decode those confusing abbreviations and pattern lingo ✔️ What to do when you make a mistake (because you will, and that’s okay!) ✔️ How learning alongside others makes the process way more fun and way less overwhelming   ✨ Whether you’re brand new or simply need a confidence boost, this episode is here to remind you: you can do this, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Resources & Links: 🧶 Grab my free “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet → https://www.theknittingmamas.com 🧶 Learn step-by-step inside the 90-min Headband Workshop—perfect if you want to knit something calming and simple with full support → https://www.theknittingmamas.com 🧶 Explore my go-to tools, favorite yarns, and knitting must-haves → https://www.theknittingmamas.com

    20 min

  4. 07/29/2025

    #102 // Summer Throwback: Behind the scenes of a knitwear design business with Alexi Tavel from Two of Wands

    Welcome back to Knit Your Stress Away, where knitting meets relaxation! In this special installment of our Summer Throwback Series, we revisit the first-ever interview on the podcast with the remarkable Alexi Tavel from Two of Wands. Join us as Alexi shares her unique journey from studying fashion design to becoming a renowned knitwear designer. Discover how her creative path has evolved, the inspiration behind her designs, and the intricate art of balancing creativity with business. Get ready to be inspired by her story and gain insight into the world of knitwear design! Want support as you start? Here’s everything I’ve got for you at theknittingmamas.com:   → Free Cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting Get the tools list, my beginner glossary, and feel ready to cast on. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com   → Video Guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps Learn how to start from scratch—with calm, clear videos that walk you through each step. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com   → My Knitting Favorites: Needles, yarns & tools I truly love 👉 Everything’s linked for you at www.theknittingmamas.com 💛 Let’s Connect: → Follow along on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ → Join the cozy chat in the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community

    44 min

  5. 07/25/2025

    #101 // Summer Throwback: Knitting Journal 101: Why You Need One and How to Start

    Want a beautiful, ready-to-go knitting journal? I finally got my hands on the one from Twice Sheared Sheep and it’s GORGEOUS. Thoughtfully designed, spiral-bound, and perfect for tracking every cozy project. Take a peek here →https://twice-sheared-sheep.myshopify.com/twwcpa (affiliate) Welcome back to the Knit Your Stress Away Summer Throwback Series—your weekly cozy reset with a round up of our best episodes of the last year and a half. This week, we’re revisiting one of your favorite episodes all about how to actually stay motivated and celebrate your growth as a knitter—with a simple but powerful tool: your own knitting journal.   Whether you’re a paper-and-pen type or prefer something digital and fuss-free, this episode is packed with inspiration for tracking your projects, capturing your creative milestones, and building a keepsake of everything your hands have made.   🧶 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why a knitting journal is a game-changer for busy moms • What to track (think: yarn, needles, modifications, emotions!) • Ideas for using your journal to celebrate small wins and keep momentum • My favorite digital option: the Knit & Note app for organizing on the go   ✨ “Seeing all the projects you’ve completed can be such a confidence booster—especially when you’re working on something new or challenging.”   🧰 Mentioned in the Episode:   → Grab your FREE cheatsheet: “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” → Download my 3-Day Reset: Make Time to Stitch → See all my favorite tools, books, apps & more at www.theknittingmamas.com → Check out the Knit & Note App – the perfect way to log projects from your phone       💛 Want to keep the calm going? Start your first stress-soothing project with the Headband Workshop—a 90-minute guided knit you can finish in a weekend. You’ll find it (and everything else I offer) right at www.theknittingmamas.com.   📲 Let’s connect! • Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ • Facebook: The Knitting Mamas Community Group   💌 If this episode gave you a little spark of creative joy, share it with a friend or leave a review—it means so much!

    18 min

  6. 07/22/2025

    #100 // Summer Throwback: Must-Have Knitting Supplies for Newbies: Simple, Stress-Free Guide

    Welcome to another episode in the Knit Your Stress Away Summer Throwback Series—designed to keep you inspired with the most downloaded episodes during the summer months. If you’re new to knitting (or just overwhelmed by all the tools out there), this one is for you. We’re cutting through the clutter and getting back to basics. You don’t need to buy everything to get started—you just need a few essentials, and the confidence to cast on.   🧶 Inside This Episode: ✔️ The 3 must-haves for any beginner ✔️ What’s nice to have (but totally skippable at the start) ✔️ Common things you can ignore for now (hello, simplicity) ✔️ Why keeping it minimal actually helps you finish your first project   ✨ “You don’t need a giant kit or every needle size—just the right tools for your first project.”   🧰 Want support as you start? Here’s everything I’ve got for you at theknittingmamas.com:   → Free Cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting Get the tools list, my beginner glossary, and feel ready to cast on. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com   → Video Guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps Learn how to start from scratch—with calm, clear videos that walk you through each step. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com   → My Knitting Favorites: Needles, yarns, books & tools I truly love 👉 Everything’s linked for you at www.theknittingmamas.com   💛 Let’s Connect: → Follow along on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ → Join the cozy chat in the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community   📸 Found this episode helpful? Screenshot it and share to your stories—I’d love to see your current WIP and cheer you on! 💬 And don’t forget to subscribe + leave a quick review to help more knitters find us!

    23 min

  7. 07/15/2025

    #99 // Summer Throwback: The app every knitter needs - with Knit & Note founder Anne Emilie Fosse

    Grab your beginners guide to knitting: www.theknittingmamas.com Download the “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet www.theknittingmamas.com Join the free Facebook community: www.theknittingmamas.com Ever wished you had one single place to keep all your knitting patterns, projects, and yarn stash? In this summer throwback episode, I’m chatting with Anne Emilie Fosse, the founder of the Knit & Note app — a brilliant tool for knitters who want to stay organized, inspired, and totally stress-free. We dive into how the app was created, why it’s become a favorite in the knitting community, and what exciting updates are coming soon. Whether you’re brand new to knitting or have been stitching for years, this app is going to change the way you manage your projects (and maybe even make your knitting time feel even more relaxing!). Here’s what we cover in this episode: How Anne Emilie came up with the idea for Knit & Note on maternity leave What makes the app so beginner-friendly The challenges (and wins!) of building a knitting-focused tech product Sneak peek at upcoming features (hello, yarn database!) Why knitting is still her go-to form of stress relief Want to try the app? Download Knit & Note at:  https://www.knitandnote.com Follow them on Instagram:  @knitandnote

    40 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    #98 // Summer Throwback: Mental health benefits of knitting and how it helps reduce stress

    Summer Throwback Series In this episode of Knit Your Stress Away, we explore the incredible mental benefits of knitting and how it can help busy moms reduce stress and anxiety. From providing mindful focus to boosting your mood and creating a calming routine, knitting is more than just a creative outlet - it’s a tool for self-care and mental well-being. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking to prioritize peace in your life, this episode will inspire you to pick up your needles. What You’ll Learn Today: How the repetitive motions of knitting create mindful focus, quieting your mind and reducing stress Why knitting releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, lifting your mood and easing anxiety How incorporating knitting into your daily routine creates a grounding, calming ritual you can rely on. Resources and Links Mentioned: Want to start knitting? Download the free cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting —>> www.theknittingmamas.com Curious about keeping a knitting journal? Check out Episode #69 for tips on how journaling can elevate your knitting journey. Join our community of knitting enthusiasts on Facebook to connect, share projects, and find support along your knitting journey. Visit thenittingmamas.com to join the conversation. Don't miss out on making knitting your new favorite way to unwind and create!

    20 min
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🧶 Knit Your Stress Away 🧶 The podcast for moms who want to knit instead of scroll. Tired of ending every night on your phone? I teach overwhelmed moms how to use knitting to calm your nervous system, set phone boundaries, and reclaim 20 minutes of peace. I’m Nadine—a mom who traded doomscrolling for knitting and never looked back. Whether you’re a complete beginner or getting back into knitting after years away, this show will help you trade screen time for something that actually makes you feel better. What you’ll learn: Why knitting calms your nervous system How to start as a total beginner Building a knitting habit with zero free time Phone boundaries that actually work New episodes every Wednesday. Short, practical, and always focused on one question: How does this help you knit instead of scroll? Put down your phone, grab some yarn, and let’s knit the stress away—one stitch at a time.

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