New research suggests that arts and crafts can be just as good for mental health as work.

According to the results, engaging in creative activities can have as positive an influence on life satisfaction as work.

According to the study, creativity has as much influence on people’s well-being and happiness as factors such as age and health.

Scientists at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) point out that the mental health of the population could be significantly improved if people were given access to affordable opportunities for creativity.

Dr Helen Keyes, Head of the School of Psychology and Sport Science at ARU, said: “Crafts and other artistic activities have been shown to have a significant impact on whether people find their lives worth living.

“In fact, the influence of craftsmanship was greater than that of employment.

“Crafting not only gives us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful way of self-expression. That is not always the case when you are employed.”

“Participation in these activities is associated with a stronger sense of vitality, greater life satisfaction and increased happiness.”

“The effects on well-being remained even after we took into account factors such as employment status and level of deprivation.

“It seems that crafting can make a positive contribution to your well-being beyond these other aspects of your life.”

The researchers analyzed a sample of 7,182 people from the annual “Taking Part” survey conducted by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport to examine the effects of participating in creative activities such as sewing or painting.

Participants were asked to rate their feelings of happiness, anxiety, life satisfaction, and their opinion on whether life is worth living.

When asked about crafting, 37.4% said they had participated in at least one crafting activity in the last twelve months.

According to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, people who participated in arts and crafts were happier and more satisfied with their lives.

They also had a stronger sense that life is worth living.

Just as important as strengthening people’s sense of well-being was the fact that they had a job.

The researchers took into account factors that are already known to influence well-being, such as gender, age, health status, employment status and degree of deprivation.

For example, poorer health, unemployment and higher levels of disadvantage lead to lower well-being.