People get more life satisfaction from arts and crafts than work, says survey

The researchers have now said interests such as painting and pottery could be an important tool for improving public health in general. File picture: Nick Bradshaw

Being passionate about activities such as painting and pottery has a bigger influence on life satisfaction than having a job, researchers have found.

While arts and crafts have long been used to aid mental health, experts said most research has looked at their effect on patients rather than the general population, and tend to look at specific activities.