Silver Hill’s Dr. Ryan Flanagan Featured in Southern Living on the Mental Health Benefits of Traditional Hobbies
Southern Living recently highlighted the comeback of “grandma hobbies” like knitting, baking, and puzzle-making—and why mental health experts are celebrating this trend.
In the article ‘Grandma Hobbies’ Are Making A Comeback—And Experts Say That’s Exactly What We Need, Dr. Ryan Flanagan, Director of the Resilience Program at Silver Hill Hospital, explains therapeutic value of these hands-on activities.
“I often encourage patients to find grounding activities that offer relief from the constant stimulation of our digital world,” Dr. Flanagan shares. ” Hands-on tasks like knitting, gardening, or baking engage our senses and create a steady, calming rhythm that helps regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety.”
These traditional hobbies foster mindfulness by activating our senses, grounding us in the present moment, and shifting our focus from perfection to process—offering a powerful antidote to modern stress.