A recent Forbes report stated that 40% of adults make a commitment to exercise more in the new year, however, almost half of those are predicted to quit their new habit by the end of January.
So what is the winning combination of hobbies that will stand the test of time? Adobe Express conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults and found that walking, solo sports and team sports were the most popular fitness related hobbies that people most regularly turn to in order to relax.
The Top Hobbies We Turn to in Order to Relax
|
Rank |
Hobby |
Percentage of respondents regularly undertaking the hobby (%) |
|
1 |
Reading |
35% |
|
2 |
Walking |
30% |
|
3 |
Cooking and baking |
29% |
|
4 |
Playing an instrument / Sports (solo) |
25% |
|
5 |
Journaling |
22% |
|
6 |
Writing |
20% |
|
=7 |
Sports (as a team) |
18% |
|
=7 |
Art, drawing, and illustration |
18% |
|
9 |
Knitting, sewing, and crocheting |
17% |
|
10 |
Design Work |
15% |
*The full survey data is available to view here.
Adobe Express have found that the most popular fitness related hobby or pastime enjoyed by adults in a bid to relax and unwind was found to be walking, with nearly a third of respondents stating this was their number one choice (30%). This hobby is known for its positive mental and physical health qualities.
‘Boutiquing’ is also set to be a major trend this year, with a 96% global increase in searches for walking holidays since the start of the year. The trend sets the stage for 2024 with the likes of ‘soft hiking’, ‘cool-cationing’ and sleep tourism, combining wellness and exercise with travel as the trend to know for holidaymakers.
Because of the low impact, achievable nature of adding walks into your daily routine, 73% of people have daily step goals to maintain mental health and reduce stress.
Alongside walking, other outdoors or more active hobbies that proved popular amongst respondents included playing team sports (18%) and solo sports (25%) such as running.
The survey showed that men preferred team sports (33%) and women were more likely to choose walking as their hobby of choice (28%).
Along with the simple hobby of walking, low impact, fun sports such as pickleball and badminton are reported by experts as one of the hottest fitness trends of 2024. Strengthening your cardiovascular functions, bones and reflexes whilst socialising and making new friends is a winning combination for those looking to find a new hobby they actually want to stick out this year.
The survey also showed that walking remained the most popular hobby amongst all age groups, but was most popular with 41-60 year olds (31%). Solo sports were most popular with 26-60 year olds (27%), and least popular with those aged 61+ (21%).
Kamalyn Kaur, Psychotherapist, www.kamalynkaur.com provides comment on the mental wellbeing benefits of pursuing a hobby such as running or walking:
“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.
“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.”
Methodology:
1. Adobe Express sought to find out the most popular hobbies UK adults are turning to in 2024 to help them relax and unwind, as well as how creative they see themselves as.
2. To do this, they conducted a survey of 2,000 UK respondents, asking questions such as ‘Which of the following hobbies or pastimes do you enjoy/undertake regularly in order to relax or unwind?’, ‘Have you ever taken up a new hobby as part of a New Year’s Resolution?’
3. The survey data was then analysed and organised, with demographics also analysed.
4. * The figure of 8million UK adults was calculated by multiplying 15% (no. of survey respondents who said they would be taking up a new hobby as part of their NY resolutions) against the UK adult population which is correct as of 18/12/2023 (source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/
5. The survey was conducted December 2023, and is accurate as of then.