#DIYIsGoodForYou

New research suggests DIY can boost mental and physical well-being and found that for the majority of Brits, watching paint dry isn’t actually boring at all, as 58% say they enjoy watching and checking on it.

We teamed up with a leading neuroscientist to understand how DIY can help counter anxiety, stress and improve well-being.

Neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis said: “Various pieces of evidence suggest that both undertaking and watching DIY is a relaxing experience. Meditation in its purest form is about living in the moment, being present and focusing on the task in hand - and DIY allows exactly that."

We conducted a survey and asked 1,500 participants how they felt about DIY. The results of our survey revealed:

86% of participants said doing some form of DIY has been beneficial to their well-being and eased anxieties.

DIY or home improvement topped the poll for most satisfying activities at 51% of the vote. This came above yoga (30%) and playing sport (26%).

82% of those surveyed revealed that saving money by undertaking DIY tasks themselves improved their sense of well-being.

Even watching DIY is relaxing. Around half of the participants (45%) said watching DIY footage made them feel more relaxed, while one in ten (9%) also admitted that sounds including mixing the paste and cutting the wallpaper helped them unwind.

Neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis continues: “The 20-minute video aims to encourage a sense of calm for the viewer. Studies suggest that mindfulness or meditation for that length of time daily can result in better mind management after 12 weeks."

Be inspired

Our YoungMinds Partnership

We have partnered with YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity fighting for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.

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Ideas and advice

If you think that DIY would help you, check out our ideas and advice pages which have hundreds of helpful and inspirational DIY projects for you to try out at home.

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