It’s not always easy to be satisfied in life, but there are factors that could help us be happier. In fact, a UK study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health reports that creative activities could be as beneficial to life satisfaction as having a job.

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University have found that an individual’s life satisfaction depends not only on their age, health or standard of living, but also on their ability to be creative. They came to this conclusion after using data from a survey conducted by the UK’s culture, media and sports department, covering 7,182 people over the age of 16.

For this study, respondents were asked to rate various aspects of their wellbeing on a 10-point scale. They were also asked to indicate whether they had practised a creative activity (painting, music, ceramics, and so on) in the last 12 months, which was the case for 37.4% of them.

It turns out that people who give free rein to their creativity through painting, embroidery, pottery or other such activities are more likely to feel life is worth living. “Engaging in these creative activities is linked with a greater sense that life is worthwhile, increased life satisfaction and happiness,” said Dr Helen Keyes, head of the school of psychology and sports science at the university.

“The wellbeing effects were present even after we accounted for things like employment status and level of deprivation. It seems that crafting can contribute positively to your wellbeing above and beyond these other aspects of your life.”

Surprisingly, the researchers found that life satisfaction was more strongly associated with practising an artistic activity than with having a job.

“The impact of crafting is 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,” Keyes outlined.

While this research doesn’t say which specific artistic activity contributes the most to wellbeing, it shows how crucial it is for creativity to be nurtured in everyday life.