Creativity has long been celebrated for its ability to improve mental health and overall well-being. From famous figures like Winston Churchill, Judi Dench, and Tom Daley, who have all found solace and joy in creative pursuits such as painting, embroidery, and knitting, to the general population, engaging in arts and crafts has been shown to have a significant impact on life satisfaction. Recent research suggests that these activities may have a bigger influence on well-being than even having a job.
While previous studies have primarily focused on the effects of arts and crafts on patients, a new study by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University suggests that these creative endeavors could be a valuable tool for improving public health in general. Dr. Helen Keyes, a co-author of the research, emphasizes the affordability, accessibility, and popularity of arts and crafts as key factors in their potential to positively impact well-being.
The study analyzed data from over 7,000 participants aged 16 and over who took part in a survey conducted by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Participants were asked to rate various aspects of their well-being, report their engagement in arts and crafts, and provide demographic details. The results showed that individuals who participated in arts and crafts activities had higher ratings for happiness, life satisfaction, and feeling that life was worthwhile compared to those who did not, even after accounting for other factors like age, gender, deprivation, poor health, and employment status.
One of the most interesting findings of the study was that engaging in arts and crafts was associated with an increase in happiness equivalent to aging by 20 years, and a stronger sense of life being worthwhile than being employed. This suggests that the sense of mastery, control, achievement, and self-expression experienced through creative activities may play a significant role in enhancing well-being.
While the study does not compare specific creative activities and cannot prove cause and effect, smaller clinical trials have suggested that engaging in arts and crafts can indeed increase well-being. Keyes notes that while the increases in well-being associated with creative activities may be small, they are still meaningful at a population level.
Keyes suggests that supporting arts and crafts activities could be a cost-effective and accessible way for governments to improve the well-being of their populations. She emphasizes that even a small increase in overall well-being can have a significant impact at a national level, making creative pursuits a valuable tool for promoting public health.
In conclusion, the research highlights the potential benefits of engaging in arts and crafts for improving well-being. Whether it’s painting, pottery, photography, or any other creative activity, finding joy and fulfillment in these pursuits can have a positive impact on life satisfaction and happiness. As Winston Churchill, Judi Dench, and Tom Daley have shown, creativity knows no bounds and can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental health and overall well-being.