A recent survey of 2,000 Brits, conducted by Adobe Express, has found that almost two thirds of young Brits (63%) admit they have shockingly never taken up a hobby.

This comes after reports of nearly one-third of 16-24 year olds in the UK (31%) admitting some experience of depression or anxiety in the last year.

And whilst the UK is still a nation of traditionalists when it comes to their hobbies, with reading, walking, cooking, baking, and journaling also among the most popular pastimes.

The study found that almost half of 18 to 24-year-olds are unable to find hobbies or activities to entice them, which may be impacting the generation's mental health, according to a recent study by Birda.

Over two thirds (67%) of young Brits admit to not reading in their spare time

Although reading came out as one of the most popular pastimes that 18-25 year old Brits say they turn to in order to relax, 67% out of the 19% of young Brits who report having a hobby say they do not read for pleasure.

In comparison, two fifths of those aged 61+ enjoy reading in their downtime. 65-79 is also the happiest age group for adults in the UK, according to Office for National Statistics research.

The Reading Agency reported that young adults with lower levels of literacy are more likely to believe that they have little impact on political processes, and are less likely to participate in volunteer activities.

They also revealed that those who read for pleasure have higher levels of self-esteem, and reading for pleasure was also associated with better sleeping patterns. Young adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. It also reduces heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mind.

Over three in four (78%) of young Brits don’t have a journal

Despite journaling being well known for being a positive stress buster, over three in four Brits aged 18-25 who do enjoy hobbies have yet to pick up the healthy habit (78%).

As well as helping with problem solving and personal growth, journaling is great for cognitive function and easing anxiety. Almost a quarter (24%) of 41-60 year olds lean towards writing to relax in their downtime.

Kamalyn Kaur, Psychotherapist, provides comment on the mental wellbeing benefits of pursuing a hobby such as reading or writing:
“Engaging in activities that YOU enjoy is a great way of escaping the day-to-day routines and responsibilities. This time to switch off can help with lowering stress levels; reduces anxiety; gives you space and time to process; and also promotes mental wellbeing.

“Pursuing your own hobbies is crucial for personal fulfilment by giving you the opportunity to engage in something that you are passionate about or makes you happy."

Less than a third (30%) of young Brits don’t or aren’t regularly walking

Walking is well known for its positive mental and physical health qualities, however, less than a third of those surveyed aged between 18 and 24 (30%) say they enjoy walking as a regular way of relaxing and unwinding.

A study conducted by the American Psychological Association, revealed a 25% lowered risk of depression among adults who got the recommended amount of physical activity per week—about 2.5 hours of brisk walking. Getting more exercise than that did not seem to confer extra mood benefits.

Cooking and baking is the most popular hobby amongst young Brits

Cooking and baking (34%) ranked the highest in young adults' favourite pastimes, which is known to stimulate the senses, and boost self-esteem.

The Alzheimer's Society revealed 38 million Brits have turned their hand to baking in the last year, with young people taking up the hobby the most, with Gen Z (16–24-year-olds) spending an average of more than 5.5 hours a month in the kitchen.

In contrast, cooking and baking ranked least popular among 41-60 year olds, who instead lean more towards reading in their free time.

Kamalyn Kaur adds:
“Having your own hobbies, away from family, is also a great way of introducing balance into your life as it is dedicated and protected time for you to focus on what you want to do; prioritise yourself; and think about your own emotional needs. In this respect, hobbies can be a great way of introducing self-care and preventing burnout.

“Self-identity is strengthened because hobbies allow you to engage in what you enjoy; what sparks you; and what makes you feel good. This is important especially when so many people feel they have lost themselves and who they are in the hustle and bustle of a family life.”

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Research carried out by Adobe Express