Whether it's dancing, baking or something different entirely, according to the Office for National Statistics who provided research for AXA Insurance, one in four television-watching Brits are inspired to take up new hobbies thanks to the shows they watch on the small screen.
Credit: BBC
Aiming to inspire the nation to live boldly, the research also reveals that Brits spend one working day per week on their favourite hobbies.
In a similar vein, 19% of those polled have been motivated by sporting events on television to get up off the sofas and become more active.
The top 10 shows inspiring new hobbies today are:
- The Great British Bake Off
- MasterChef
- Come Dine With Me
- Antiques Roadshow
- The X Factor
- Strictly Come Dancing
- Countryfile
- Britain's Got Talent
- Saturday Kitchen
- The Great British Sewing Bee
Brits have also been revealed to spent on average £44.42 a month on their activities, with the most expensive being skiing/snowboarding (£81), martial arts (£77) and rugby (£77).
Emma Kenny, psychologist and writer comments: "Hobbies provide a great opportunity to get away from the day to day and enjoy something that we really love. With work life being 'always on' it's important to take time out and experience fun, stimulating activities that help us feel less stressed and more energised. Also, the social element of a hobby introduces us to likeminded others. This sharing of interests helps create a sense of connection that is helpful psychologically, emotionally and socially.
"Allowing ourselves the enjoyment of a hobby suggests we deserve 'self' time. By making time for ourselves, we are enhancing our self-value and reminding ourselves that we are entitled to such activities. Hobbies make us interesting people who are more likely to take positive risks and potentially experience greater success in general."
Unfortunately, changing jobs or having a child are the most common reasons people give up hobbies, so AXA Insurance hopes to change that and encourage the nation to live boldly by taking up new hobbies or reviving their former favourite pursuits of happiness.
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