New hobbies taken up in the UK during lockdown
Many people said they chose to take up a hobby because it is good for their wellbeing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It seems that many adults in the UK 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 poll of 2,000 adults found more than one third have taken up a new activity since the start of the pandemic. The majority have chosen one with some form of mindfulness to help keep them calm while most any hobby to involve some exercise.
It also emerged that many chose a hobby because it was good for their wellbeing, with gardening, cooking and baking also 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, how easy it is to get started and skills which can be learnt as a result.
Sarah Dixon, from hoze company 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.
Read more:
“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 poll also found 77 per cent agreed it’s been important to keep their mind busy since spending more time at home in the past year.
Other felt hobbies have given them something to concentrate on, while many credited the activities with helping them to stick to a routine while at home.
People’s reasons behind taking up a new hobby during lockdown included to improve their home or garden, to fill spare time and to avoid thinking about the pandemic.
The weather, friends and TV shows have also inspired people to take up new past times.More than half of adults count gardening as a hobby, with many spending more time sprucing up their outdoor space during the lockdown than ever before.
Green-fingered adults enjoy the physical benefit without feeling like they’re exercising, seeing their achievements such as plants growing and creating a calming, inviting space.
And while a few of those polled via OnePoll opt to garden on their own, others do so with their partner and some 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 1 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.”
Top hobbies people living in the UK have started because they’re good for their health:
1. Walking
2. Reading
3. Exercise
4. Gardening
5. Cooking
6. Baking
7. Swimming
8. Crosswords
9. Jigsaw puzzles
10. Growing fruit and veg
11. Dog walking
12. DIY
13. Board games
14. Video gaming
15. Crafts
16. Photography
17. Sudoku
18. Colouring in
19. Football
20. Birdwatching
21. Drawing/sketching
22. Knitting
23. Meditating
24. Painting
25. Writing/journaling
26. Cross stitching
27. Learning a musical instrument
28. Tennis
29. Fishing
30. Zumba
31. Horse riding
32. Woodwork
33. Martial arts
34. Writing music
35. Graphic design
36. Home brewing drinks
37. Astronomy e.g. using a telescope
38. Netball
39. Calligraphy
40. Pottery
SWNS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments