Engaging in crafts like knitting and crochet might boost mental health even more than having a job, according to a new study.
Dr Helen Keyes from Anglia Ruskin University and her team found that activities such as painting, sculpture, and embroidery offer a similar boost in life satisfaction as employment. “Crafting and other artistic activities had a notable effect on how worthwhile people felt their lives were,” Keyes said. “In fact, crafting seemed to have a greater impact on life satisfaction than being employed.”
The study, which surveyed nearly 7,200 people, highlighted that crafting could be a significant route to self-expression, unlike many jobs. Though the study could not definitively prove that crafting causes improved moods, smaller studies suggest a causal link, especially for people with conditions like depression.
Participants reported a slight increase in wellbeing from crafting, but it was still more significant than many other factors affecting life satisfaction, such as age or income. Keyes noted that crafting provides a sense of achievement and creativity often missing in daily jobs.
“If the NHS or government are looking for affordable, effective interventions, promoting crafting might be a good option,” Keyes suggested.
