More than half of Brits would like to take up a new hobby, a study has revealed – with nostalgic pastimes such as knitting, crochet, and candle making coming back into fashion.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that outdoor activities, including gardening and bird-watching, are in vogue – while arts and crafts, such as painting watercolours, are also popular.
Jigsaw puzzles, sewing, and board games or card games, are also among the top 25 activities Brits are pursuing in their free time.
And one in four (26%) said the appeal of such hobbies is is primarily down to escaping the stresses and strains of modern life – as they try to find some respite through simple pleasures.
Commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula, the research revealed more than half (53%) would like to take up a new pastime.
A spokesman for the skincare brand said: “We shouldn't underestimate the physical and mental benefits a “hands-on hobby” can bring into our lives.
“Hobbies like sewing, painting, or bird-watching might sound old-fashioned, but the relaxing and rewarding nature of these pursuits clearly isn’t lost on the British public.”
The average Brit maintains three “active” hobbies to fill their free time – but 76% still have room in their schedules to try something new.
As a result, one in ten would like to try their hand at growing their own food in a garden or allotment, and 9% think they would be successful at baking their own bread.
Traditional creative hobbies are also seeing a comeback, as Brits would like to take up pottery-making, calligraphy, and crochet.
More than a quarter (27%) have picked up a new hobby in the last year – but 25% have kept a pastime going for over a decade.
It also emerged 28% keep going back to a hobby as they love losing themselves in an activity they enjoy – while a savvy 37% value activities which fill their time, without breaking the bank.
And almost half (44%) believe you know you have discovered the right hobby for you when you find it completely absorbing.
One in four (27%) said their traditional hobby brings them joy, and 25% believe it benefits their mental health.
And 46% of those surveyed, via OnePoll.com, think it has become more fashionable to have a hobby.
In fact, two-thirds (64%) want to encourage those without a hobby to find one, believing there is a pastime out there to suit everyone.
Over a typical year, the average Brit spends £215.83, and seven full days, pursuing their personal interests.
And three in five are at their happiest when getting hands-on in their hobby, while 35% think their free-time activities form a key part of their identity.
The spokesman added: “Norwegian Formula has spent 50 years supporting hard-working hands, and we hope this new research inspires some new aspiring hobbyists to learn something new.
“From our findings, we can see that maintaining a new interest doesn’t need to cost the earth, or take up all of your free time, for it to be beneficial to your mental health and overall happiness.”
TOP 25 “HANDS-ON” HOBBIES IN THE UK:
- Gardening
- Baking/making bread
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Bird watching
- Playing board games and card games
- Growing food
- Knitting
- Colouring books
- Sewing
- Record collecting
- Cross-stitch
- Stamp collecting
- Coin collecting
- Model making
- Painting watercolours
- Crochet
- Embroidery
- Computer programming
- Candle making
- Scrapbooking
- Woodworking
- Flower arranging
- Model railways
- Sweet making
- Cheese making
