Hornby Unplugged: are traditional hobbies the antidote to digital overload?

In a world where we are always contactable, creative hobbies are more important than ever.

A new report by Disrupt UK, commissioned by Hornby Hobbies, shows that excessive screen time is having a negative impact on the nation’s mental health and wellbeing. Many people believe that they are spending too much time on digital devices and that having a traditional, hands-on hobby could be the antidote they need.

The return of the traditional hobby

Last year, we published a white paper that looked into the reasons why people take up certain hobbies. You can read our blog post on that study here.

This latest report was more in depth, really focusing on the impact of digital overdosing and how you can consciously move away from this. With a hobby slant, of course.

Hornby Unplugged discovered that over half of UK adults think they spend too much time on their devices, with two-thirds believing it to be an unhealthy habit. Over 80% of those surveyed thought that too much screen time was bad for children, with 75% of parents saying they aim to limit it.

Those who thought they spent too much time on their devices were twice as likely to suffer from anxiety. They had a 16% lower life satisfaction score and a 20% lower happiness score than those who spent less time on their screens.

The age group at most risk of these issues due to their reliance on digital technology was the 16-34 range.

Could hobbies be the answer to overload in the digital age?

The benefits of active hobbies are widely touted by wellbeing professionals, but the evidence speaks for itself.

·      39% of respondents said that active hobbies made them happier

·      43% said they had better mental health

·      36% said they had better physical health

In contrast, 40% of respondents said they felt better connected with their digital devices than with an active hobby.  But they still recognised screen overuse as an issue, with over half considering starting a new hobby in the next year. Meanwhile, a smug 22% of those surveyed already proudly considered themselves hobbyists.

Clinical psychologist and author, Dr Radha Modgil, is unsurprised by our survey results: “When you immerse yourself in a physical, creative activity like model making, it brings you into the present moment. That sense of focus and achievement can be incredibly calming, especially in contrast to the pace and pressure of digital life. Hobbies are more than a pastime - they’re a mental reset.”

And if you want all the above benefits, plus the connection, look for hobbies you can enjoy with others. Sharing your model railway experiences on forums, with friends and family, and at community events can really strengthen your social muscle.

​​​​​​

From doomscrolling to hobby joy: how to get started

Choosing a hobby is a very personal decision, and it will ultimately come down to your interests and goals.

If you decide you’d like to try model railway modelling, you’re in the right place. Begin with a Hornby starter set and then read our handy guide on how to build on this simple set-up to create your own model world.

You don’t have to be particularly artistic or a train buff to enjoy this hobby – everyone can give it a go and get the mental health benefits from modelling. And, of course, your skill and knowledge will grow over time, giving you even more satisfaction from your pastime.

One of the biggest bugbears that came from our national report was that people don’t think they have the time for a hobby. In fact, 18% of respondents suggested this was the main reason they hadn’t started one. But many had considered model-making as a valuable activity, seeing it as a great way to unwind:

• 45% of respondents said it would help them relax and relieve stress;
• 44% believed it would support their mental health;
• 55% agreed it would help them spend less time on their devices.

With 37% admitting to regular doomscrolling (scrolling through social media without a purpose) and 17% identifying as procrastinators, we think that the issue is more with time management. Many people seem to be wasting the free time they do have, when they could be putting it to better use with Hornby!

And if you do find yourself reaching for your smart device, change the way you use it. Instead, think of it as your social connection to others in your hobby space. Discover social media groups, forums and events that will enhance your hobby and your life.

It’s time to unplug

Want to read more about how hobbies can enhance your life and reduce your screen addiction? Read the full report here – we’d love to know what you think.