Top 25 old-school hobbies that are back in style

By Rob Knight 72Point via SWNS

Nostalgic hobbies like cross-stitching, flower-arranging and watercolor painting are back in fashion, according to a poll.

Research of 2,000 adults found "retro pastimes" which involve arts and crafts – like sewing and model making - or getting outdoors – like bird watching – are in vogue.

While gardening and kneading dough are also popular activities.

More than a quarter (26 percent) said the appeal of such hobbies is primarily down to escape the stresses and strains of modern life - as they try to find some respite through simple pleasures.

Commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula, the research 53 percent would like to take up a new pastime.

A spokesperson for the skincare brand said: "We shouldn't underestimate the physical and mental benefits a ‘hands-on hobby’ can bring into our lives.

“Hobbies like sewing, painting or bird watching might sound old-fashioned, but the relaxing and rewarding nature of these pursuits clearly isn’t lost on the British public.”

The average Brit maintains three "active" hobbies to fill their free time, but 76 percent still have room in their schedules to try something new.

As a result, 10 percent would like to try their hand at growing their own food in a garden or allotment, and nine percent think they would be successful at baking their own bread.

Traditional creative hobbies are also seeing a comeback, as people would like to take up pottery-making, calligraphy and crochet.

More than a quarter (27 percent) have picked up a new hobby in the last year, whereas 25 percent have kept a pastime going for over a decade.

It also emerged 28 percent keep going back to a hobby as they love losing themselves in an activity they enjoy, while a savvy 37 percent value activities which fill their time, without breaking the bank.

And 44 percent believe you know you have discovered the right hobby for you when you find it completely absorbing.

One in four (27 percent) said their traditional hobby brings them joy, and 25 percent believe it benefits their mental health.

While 46 percent of those surveyed, via OnePoll.com, think it has become more fashionable to have a hobby.

And 64 percent want to encourage those without a hobby to find one, believing there is a pastime out there to suit everyone.

Annually, the average Brit spends £215.83 ($253), and seven full days, pursuing their personal interests.

But three in five are at their happiest when getting hands-on in their hobby, and 35 percent think their free-time activities form a key part of their identity.

A spokesperson added: “Norwegian Formula has spent 50 years supporting hardworking hands and we hope this new research inspires some new aspiring hobbyists to learn something new.

“From our findings, we can see that maintaining a new interest doesn’t need to cost the earth or take up all of your free time for it to be beneficial to your mental health and overall happiness.”

TOP 25 "HANDS ON" HOBBIES IN THE UK:

1. Gardening
2. Baking/ making bread
3. Jigsaw puzzles
4. Bird watching
5. Playing board and card games
6. Growing food
7. Knitting
8. Coloring books
9. Sewing
10. Record collecting
11. Cross-stitch
12. Stamp collecting
13. Coin collecting
14. Model making
15. Painting watercolors
16. Crochet
17. Embroidery
18. Computer programming
19. Candle making
20. Scrapbooking
21. Woodworking
22. Flower arranging
23. Model railways
24. Sweet making
25. Cheesemaking