We already know that having a job can improve mental health, but findings suggest that creative hobbies can make life feel even more worthwhile
and improves the sense that life is worthwhile. These activities have a positive effect that is as strong or stronger than the mental health improvements that come with being employed.
Decades of research have shown that health, income and employment status are major factors in predicting people’s satisfaction with their lives. However, researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK wanted to investigate what other activities or circumstances might improve mental health.
The bump was modest – around 0.2 on a 10-point scale – but crafting was a stronger predictor that someone felt their life was worthwhile compared with harder-to-change factors such as having a job.“There is something about crafting that gives a sense of progress and self-expression in a way that employment often doesn’t,” says Keyes. “You get to be really proud of what you’re creating and see progress in front of your eyes in real time.
Arts and crafts also boosted happiness and life satisfaction, but didn’t make a meaningful difference to reported loneliness, which may be because many crafts can be done solo. Promoting and supporting arts and crafts could be used as a preventive measure for mental health on a national scale, says Keyes. “When people do it, they enjoy it. It’s an easy win.”
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