Engaging in arts and crafts activities is equally beneficial for enhancing mental well-being as being employed, suggests recent studies.

Creative activities boost people's sense that living is worthwhile as well as their happiness and satisfaction with life, say scientists.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, provides evidence that indulging our creative side could provide everyone with significant wellbeing benefits.

The study's lead author, Dr Helen Keyes from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, stated: "Engaging in crafting and similar creative pursuits had a significant impact on individuals' perception of having a purposeful life."

indeed, the influence of craftsmanship exceeded the effect of having a job.

Crafting doesn’t just provide us with a feeling of accomplishment; it serves as a significant means for self-expression. Such fulfillment isn't always attainable through work alone.

The research team examined data from 7,182 individuals participating in the yearly Taking Part survey organized by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. This survey assesses people’s involvement in various cultural, digital, and sports-related pursuits.

The specimen enabled the group to examine the effects of creative arts broadly instead of particular handicrafts.

Each participant was requested to assess their feelings of joy, stress, and overall contentment with life—alongside providing an opinion on the meaningfulness of existence. Additionally, they were queried about the frequency at which they experienced solitude.

When questioned regarding their involvement in crafting activities, 37.4 percent of participants indicated that they had engaged in at least one such activity within the past year.

Individuals participating in arts and crafts activities exhibited greater levels of joy and contentment with their lives, along with an increased perception that their existence holds significant value.

Dr. Keyes stated that the increase in respondents' feeling that their lives had purpose was just as 'substantial' as the impact of being employed.

She remarked, "There is undoubtedly great pleasure in witnessing the outcome of your efforts materialize right in front of you."

'Having the opportunity to concentrate on a single activity and utilize your imagination can be incredibly rewarding.'

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