Brits take up new hobbies in lockdown to boost mental health

MORE than eight in 10 adults have taken up a new hobby during lockdown to boost their mental or physical health, with walking, reading and exercising the most popular pastimes. A study of 2,000 adults found more than a third have taken up a new activity since the start of the pandemic. Some 81 per […]

MORE than eight in 10 adults have taken up a new hobby during lockdown to boost their mental or physical health, with walking, reading and exercising the most popular pastimes.

A study of 2,000 adults found more than a third have taken up a new activity since the start of the pandemic.

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SWNS

Brits are turning to gardening during the lockdown, a study of our hobbies has revealed[/caption]

Some 81 per cent of Brits have chosen a hobby with some form of mindfulness to help keep them calm – while 75 per cent want any hobby to involve some exercise.

It emerged 82 per cent chose a hobby because it was good for their wellbeing, with gardening, cooking and baking popular.

Growing fruit and vegetables were also among the top 40 hobbies people have chosen because they have a positive impact on their health.

Other factors which impact the choice of activity include the cost – with 55 per cent saying they’d factor that in.

More than half of us care about how easy it is to get started, while 37 per cent are interested in the skills they can learn.

Sarah Dixon from Hozelock, which commissioned the study, said: “Many of us have had more time on our hands during the past 12 months, so it is only normal that we are filling this time trying out new hobbies and interests.

“With so much uncertainty in the year, it is great to see that people are choosing activities which will improve their mental health and provide some structure to their day and weekends.

“Gardening is one such hobby. Not only is it accessible for everyone but it is always incredibly rewarding to watch plants grow.”

The study also found 77 per cent agreed it’s been important to keep their minds busy since spending more time at home in the past year.

And 74 per cent felt hobbies have given them something to concentrate on, while 63 per cent credited the activities with helping them to stick to a routine while at home.  

Of the 35 per cent who have taken up a new hobby during lockdown, 23 per cent did so in order to improve their home or garden, 42 per cent to fill spare time and 29 per cent to avoid thinking about the pandemic.

Green-fingered adults enjoy the physical benefit without feeling like they’re exercising – 54 per cent, while 50 per cent like to see their plants growing as an achievement, and 46 per cent enjoy creating a calming, inviting space.

And while 35 per cent of those polled via OnePoll opt to garden on their own, 46 per cent do so with their partner and 18 per cent with their child.

It also emerged that during the average week, people typically spend two hours and 14 minutes on exercise-based activities, an hour and 13 minutes baking and an hour and 28 minutes gardening.

Emily Butt, founder of the not-for-profit organisation Garden to Wellbeing said: “Having experienced first-hand the range of benefits that nature has on both our physical and mental wellbeing, I’m delighted that more people are enjoying gardening as a fun and therapeutic hobby.

“Gardening not only improves physical health, it can also reduce levels of stress and anxiety and increase confidence.

“With ongoing support from organisations such as Hozelock, including generous product donations, Garden to Wellbeing helps connect people with nature through workshops and ongoing programmes, giving everyone the opportunity to benefit from gardening.”