Engaging in creative activities has been found to significantly boost well-being, equating to the benefits of employment, according to recent research.
A new study reveals that arts and crafts help improve mental health by providing meaningful spaces for expression and achievement for the general population.
Engaging with Creativity
Research shows that engaging in arts and crafts can significantly improve mental health by offering spaces for expression and achievement. According to Dr. Helen Keyes, head of psychology and sport science, these activities are not only accessible but also immensely fulfilling.
The study, conducted by researchers including Keyes, found that creative activities boost well-being, challenging the notion that these benefits are confined to those with diagnosed mental health conditions.
Methodology and Findings
The study utilised data from a national survey in the UK between 2019-2020 to assess the impact of creative activities on life satisfaction. The survey included over 7,000 participants ranging from age 16 and above.
Participants were asked about their engagement in arts and crafts, employment status, health, and general life satisfaction. Findings indicated that happiness and life satisfaction were positively correlated with creative activities.
Despite these benefits, the study found no significant link between creative activities and reduced anxiety or loneliness, suggesting that further research is needed in this area.
Public Health Implications
The researchers propose that arts and crafts could have broad public health implications. Dr. Keyes suggests that governments and health services might consider funding and promoting these activities as a tool for mental well-being.
Crafting is easy to introduce into daily life and provides a sense of mastery and achievement, which is tied to improved well-being, according to Keyes.
Mastery and Achievement
Crafting offers a platform for individuals to experience a sense of mastery. This sense of achievement can be incredibly fulfilling and beneficial for mental health.
Dr. Frank Clark, a psychiatrist, highlights that any form of art has the potential to boost mental health, enhancing self-esteem and reducing anxiety and stress.
Personal Experiences with Creativity
Many find joy and satisfaction in creative activities. For instance, one individual recounts how their grandmother found purpose in knitting and other crafts, enriching her mental well-being.
Engaging in creative tasks like painting, photography, and podcasting can be incredibly rewarding, as evidenced by the personal accounts shared by several individuals involved in the study.
A Broader Perspective
Dr. Keyes stresses that creativity does not have to fit a single mould. People can explore a wide range of activities that suit their personal interests.
Dr. Clark suggests rethinking one’s creative potential and encourages individuals to tap into their childhood creative activities. Fostering relationships with creative people can also enhance one’s engagement with art.
Accessibility of Creative Activities
Colouring is a simple, inexpensive way to dive into creative activities. It’s not just for children; adults can benefit too, as it helps improve concentration and foster social connections.
Creativity can lead to resilience, restoration, and even reconciliation, making it a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, according to Dr. Clark.
Arts and crafts offer significant mental health benefits, providing fulfilment akin to that of employment.
The accessibility and broad range of creative activities make them a viable option for enhancing well-being in the general population.
