Doing arts and crafts is at least as good for improving mental health as having a job, according to new research.

Creative activities boost people's sense that living is worthwhile as well as their happiness and satisfaction with life, say scientists.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, provides evidence that indulging our creative side could provide everyone with significant wellbeing benefits.

Study lead author Dr Helen Keyes, of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, said: 'Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people's sense that their life is worthwhile.

'Indeed, the impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment.

'Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with employment.'

The researchers analysed a sample of 7,182 participants from the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, which evaluates public engagement with cultural, digital and sporting activities.

The sample allowed the team to investigate the impact of creative arts generally rather than specific crafts.

All the participants were asked to rate their sensations of happiness, anxiety and life satisfaction - and to give their impression of whether life is worthwhile. They were also asked how often they felt lonely.

When asked about their engagement with crafts, 37.4 per cent of respondents confirmed that they had taken part in at least one craft activity over the last 12 months.

Those who took part in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worthwhile.

Dr Keyes said the boost to respondents' sense that life is worthwhile was as 'significant' as being in employment.

She added: 'There is certainly something immensely satisfying about seeing the results of your work appear before your eyes.

'It feels great to focus on one task and engage your mind creatively.'