I have been telling people for years! Making art makes your life better! More beautiful, more calm, art boost confidence and art can help you make new friends! This week I was proved right! A new study came out that showed that making art and crafts boost your wellbeing. Let me tell you more about it:
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s essential to explore all avenues for improving our wellbeing. A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health offers fresh insights into an often overlooked yet highly effective method for enhancing life satisfaction: engaging in arts and crafts. The research not only confirms the long-held belief that creative activities are beneficial for mental health but also reveals that these activities have an even greater impact on our sense of life’s worth than previously thought—surpassing even the benefits of employment.
New Study Reveals How Arts and Crafts Boost Life Satisfaction and Wellbeing
A Closer Look at the Research
The study, led by Helen Keyes, Head of the School of Psychology and Sport Science at Anglia Ruskin University, who is also based in Cambridge, delves into how participation in arts and crafts influences our overall wellbeing. Drawing on data from 7,182 participants in the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, the research team examined a range of variables, including gender, age, employment status, and health conditions.
Participants were asked to assess their levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and anxiety, as well as how often they felt their life was worthwhile. The results were illuminating: those who engaged in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, and, more notably, a stronger sense that their life was meaningful. This finding is particularly significant as it highlights that creative activities can play a pivotal role in boosting mental health, even more so than having a job (Mirage News, TUN - The University Network).
Why Creativity Matters
Why do creative activities like painting, knitting, or sculpting have such a significant impact on our wellbeing? The answer lies in the nature of creativity itself. Engaging in creative tasks allows us to express ourselves, process emotions, and experience a sense of accomplishment. Unlike many aspects of modern life, which can feel repetitive or dictated by external demands, creative activities offer a space for personal exploration and expression.
For many, the process of creating something—whether it’s a piece of art, a craft project, or even a beautifully decorated cake—provides a deep sense of satisfaction. This satisfaction isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the journey of creation. The act of focusing on a task, working through challenges, and seeing a project through to completion can be incredibly rewarding, giving people a sense of purpose and achievement that might be missing in other areas of life.
Moreover, creative activities are inherently flexible. They can be solitary or social, structured or free-form, simple or complex. This adaptability makes them accessible to a wide range of people, regardless of age, skill level, or background. Whether you’re knitting a scarf, painting a landscape, or building a model, you’re engaging in an activity that is both mentally stimulating and emotionally satisfying.
New Study: Arts and Crafts as a Remedy for Modern-Day Challenges
The timing of this research is particularly relevant. As we enter September, a month that often marks the transition from summer to autumn, many people begin to experience the early signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition, characterised by symptoms of depression that occur at specific times of the year, is often triggered by reduced sunlight and shorter days during autumn and winter.
Engaging in arts and crafts can be an effective way to combat SAD. The process of creating something with your hands can provide a much-needed mental break from the stresses of daily life, offering a form of mindfulness that is both productive and enjoyable. Additionally, working on creative projects can help people establish a routine and a sense of normality, which is particularly important during the colder months when the lack of sunlight can disrupt our natural rhythms. I also love to use a daylight lamp on my desk, to see my project clearly and to help with those darker days.
Beyond its benefits for SAD, arts and crafts offer a wide range of mental health benefits. Numerous studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, and even slow the progression of dementia in older adults. These activities provide a mental workout that keeps the brain active and engaged, which is essential for maintaining cognitive health as we age.
The Impact on Life Satisfaction
One of the most compelling findings of the recent study is that arts and crafts have a greater impact on the feeling that one’s life is worthwhile than employment does. This may come as a surprise to some, particularly in a society that often equates a person’s worth with their job or career.
However, the study’s findings suggest that while employment can provide financial stability and a sense of purpose, it doesn’t necessarily fulfil our deeper psychological needs.
Creative activities, on the other hand, offer a unique way to meet these needs. They allow us to express our individuality, connect with our emotions, and engage in a process that is both meaningful and enjoyable. For many people, the act of creating something with their own hands provides a sense of fulfilment that is hard to find in other areas of life.
This is particularly important in today’s world, where many people are facing unprecedented levels of stress, uncertainty, and burnout. The pressure to succeed in a fast-paced, competitive environment can leave people feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from their true selves. Engaging in creative activities offers a way to reconnect with what really matters, providing a sense of balance and perspective that is often missing in modern life.
Bringing Creativity into Your Life
Given the significant benefits of arts and crafts, the question then becomes: how can we incorporate more creativity into our daily lives? Fortunately, there are many ways to do this, regardless of your skill level or available time. The New Study Reveals how arts and crafts boost life satisfaction and wellbeing: Let's see how we can implement that into our own lives.
Start Small: You don’t need to be an expert artist to reap the benefits of creative activities. Start with something simple, like colouring in an adult colouring book, knitting a basic scarf, or trying your hand at a paint-by-numbers kit. The key is to choose an activity that you enjoy and that feels manageable.
Join a Class: If you’re looking to learn a new skill or improve your existing abilities, consider joining a class. Many community centres, libraries, and online platforms offer classes in everything from painting and pottery to woodworking and embroidery. Not only will you learn something new, but you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others who share your interests.
Make Time for Creativity: In our busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for creative activities. However, making creativity a priority can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. Set aside a specific time each week to work on a creative project, and treat it as an essential part of your self-care routine. The Makings and Musings Community can help with creating that routine. We create together on Zoom 4x a month and my creatives have told me that that is the perfect amount of time to fit in even when life is busy!
Create a Dedicated Space: Having a dedicated space for your creative activities can make it easier to get started and stay motivated. Whether it’s a corner of your living room, a spare bedroom, or even just a small table, having a space where you can keep your supplies and work on your projects can help you establish a regular creative practice.
Involve Others: Creativity doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Consider inviting friends or family members to join you in your creative activities. Whether it’s hosting a crafting night, taking a class together, or simply sharing your projects with each other, involving others can make the experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. I have started to host art classes in Cambridge where we create together, you can meet other people and enjoy a fun and creative evening in a safe space.
Embrace Imperfection: One of the most important things to remember when engaging in creative activities is that perfection is not the goal. The process of creating is what’s most important, not the end result. Allow yourself to make mistakes and experiment with different techniques. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Arts and Crafts in Mental Health
The findings of the recent study open up exciting possibilities for the future of mental health care. As we continue to explore the benefits of creative activities, there is potential for arts and crafts to play a more significant role in therapeutic settings. In fact, many mental health professionals are already incorporating creative activities into their treatment plans, recognising the unique benefits that these activities offer.
Art therapy, for example, is a well-established form of treatment that uses creative activities to help individuals express their emotions and work through psychological challenges. By engaging in the creative process, individuals can gain insight into their feelings and experiences, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional healing.
Moreover, the concept of “social prescribing” is gaining traction in the healthcare community. This approach involves prescribing non-medical activities, such as arts and crafts, to individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. The idea is that by participating in these activities, individuals can improve their mental health and overall wellbeing in a more holistic and sustainable way.
Governments and health organisations are also beginning to recognise the value of creative activities for public health. By funding and promoting arts and crafts programmes, they can provide accessible and affordable ways for people to enhance their mental health and life satisfaction. This is particularly important for at-risk populations, such as older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those experiencing social isolation.
Conclusion: Arts and Crafts Boost Wellbeing
The recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health highlights the profound impact that arts and crafts can have on our mental health and overall wellbeing. By engaging in creative activities, we can boost our happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose—benefits that are comparable, if not greater, than those gained from employment.
As we navigate the challenges of modern life, it’s essential to prioritise activities that nourish our minds and souls. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or rediscovering a long-lost hobby, now is the perfect time to embrace creativity and experience the transformative power of the arts.
So, as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, consider making arts and crafts a part of your routine. Not only will you be enhancing your wellbeing, but you’ll also be taking an important step towards living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
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