It turns out that people who give free rein to their creativity through painting, embroidery, pottery, or other such activities, are more likely to feel that life is worth living. Photo: Getty Images
It's not always easy to be satisfied with the life we lead. But there are factors that can help us to be happier in our daily lives. In fact, a British study, published in the journal Frontiers In Public Health, reports that creative activities could be as beneficial to life satisfaction as having a job.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have found that an individual's life satisfaction depends not only on their age, health or standard of living, but also on their ability to be creative. They came to this surprising conclusion after using data from the annual "Taking Part” survey, conducted by the British Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The survey covered 7182 people over the age of 16.As part of the survey, respondents were asked to rate various aspects of their well-being on a 10-point scale. They were also asked to indicate whether they had practised a creative activity (painting, ceramics, etc.) in the last 12 months – which was the case for 37.4% of them.
It turns out that people who give free rein to their creativity through painting, embroidery, pottery, or other such activities, are more likely to feel that life is worth living.
"Engaging in these (creative) activities is linked with a greater sense that life is worthwhile, increased life satisfaction and happiness. The wellbeing effects were present even after we accounted for things like employment status and level of deprivation. It seems that crafting can contribute positively to your wellbeing above and beyond these other aspects of your life," says Dr Helen Keyes, Head of the School of Psychology and Sports Science at ARU, quoted in a news release.
Surprisingly, the researchers found that life satisfaction was more strongly associated with practicing an artistic or craft activity than with having a job.
"The impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment. Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with employment," explains Dr Helen Keyes.
While this research doesn't say which creative activity contributes most to individual well-being, it shows how important it can be to nurture creativity on a daily basis. – AFP
