Research shows doing this will boost mental health.
Recent research highlights that engaging in creative activities such as painting, woodworking, and writing can be highly beneficial for mental health, potentially surpassing the benefits of traditional work. Dr. Helen Keyes from Anglia Ruskin University led a study revealing that crafting and other artistic endeavors significantly enhance people’s sense of life’s value and personal achievement.
The study, published in Frontiers in Public Health on August 16, analyzed responses from nearly 7,200 participants in the UK’s annual Taking Part survey. This survey explored individuals’ involvement in various activities, their levels of loneliness, and their overall feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. Results showed that more than a third of participants had engaged in arts or crafts recently, and those who did reported higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.
Dr. Keyes found that the positive impacts of creative activities persisted even when accounting for factors such as employment status and socio-economic conditions. Despite these benefits, the study did not address the effect of crafting on loneliness, as many artistic activities are performed alone.
In her personal life, Dr. Keyes values the satisfaction gained from DIY projects and creative endeavors. She suggests that policymakers could consider incorporating and promoting creative activities within public health strategies to enhance overall well-being. This approach could potentially offer a valuable complement to traditional mental health support methods.
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