Crafting is at least as good for improving mental health as having a job, according to new research.
Creative activities increase the feeling that life is worth living, as well as happiness and life satisfaction, scientists say.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, provides evidence that indulging our creative side could provide us all with significant well-being benefits.
Study lead author Dr Helen Keyes, from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, said: ‘Crafts and other artistic activities showed a significant effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worth living.
‘In fact, the impact of craftsmanship was greater than that of having a job.
Creative activities increase the feeling that life is worth living, as well as happiness and life satisfaction, scientists say (file photo)
Study lead author Dr Helen Keyes, from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge (pictured), said: ‘Crafts and other artistic activities showed a significant effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worth living.
“Craftsmanship not only gives us a sense of accomplishment, but it is also a meaningful avenue for self-expression. This is not always the case with employment.”
The researchers analysed a sample of 7,182 respondents to the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which assesses public participation in cultural, digital and sporting activities.
The exhibition allowed the team to investigate the impact of creative arts in general rather than specific crafts.
All participants were asked to rate their feelings of happiness, anxiety and life satisfaction, and to give their impression of whether life is worth living. They were also asked how often they felt lonely.
When asked about their engagement with crafts, 37.4 percent of respondents confirmed that they had participated in at least one craft activity in the past 12 months.
Those who participated in arts and crafts activities reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worth living.
Dr Keyes said the increase in respondents’ sense that life was worth living was as “significant” as the increase in having a job.
He added: ‘There is certainly something immensely satisfying about seeing the results of your work appear before your eyes.
“It’s great to focus on a task and use your mind creatively.”