Nostalgic hobbies such as cross-stitching, flower arrangement and jigsaws are back.

 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.

Pending are also gardening and kneading the dough.Opular activities

26% of respondents said that the appeal of these hobbies stems primarily from the ability to escape the stresses and strains modern life brings. They also believe they can find some relief through simple pleasures.

The research 53 percent was commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary Neutrogena Norwegian Formula.

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 per cent still have room in their schedules to try something new.

Ten percent of respondents said they would like to grow their own food on an allotment or garden, while nine percent thought they would be successful baking their own bread.

Traditional creative hobbies like calligraphy, pottery-making, and crochet are making a comeback.

27% have started a new hobby in the past year. 25% have been doing it for over a decade.

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A hobby for everyone

It was also revealed that 28% of people keep returning to hobbies because they love being involved in a hobby, while 37% value activities that fill their time and don’t cost too much.

44 percent believe that you will know you have found the right hobby for yourself when you find it completely fascinating.

One in four (27%) say their hobby brings them joy and 25% believe it helps their mental health.

According to OnePoll.com 46% of those surveyed believe it is more popular to have a hobby.

64 percent of respondents want to encourage others without a hobby or interest in finding one. They believe that there is a hobby out there for everyone.

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

Three in five people feel most content when they are involved in a hobby. And 35% believe that their hobbies form a significant part of who they are.

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 card and board games

6.            Growing food

7.            Knitting

8.            Coloring books

9.            Sewing

10.         Record collecting

11.         Cross-stitch

12.         Stamp collecting

13.         Collecting coins

14.         Model making

15.         Watercolor painting

16.         Crochet

17.         Embroidery

18.         Programming for computers

19.         Candle making

20.         Scrapbooking

21.         Woodworking

22.         Flower arrangement

23.         Model railways

24.         Sweet making

25.         Cheese making