The pursuit of happiness is a recurring theme in modern life, and one of the factors that influences our well-being is leisure time. Science has investigated how the time we devote to recreational and leisure activities can affect our happiness and overall satisfaction.
The relationship between leisure time and happiness
Angel Reese ignites social media with bold outfit and flawless physique
This may be obvious, but today, multiple studies list the benefits of having quality free time:
- Leisure time and emotional well-being: Several studies have shown that having enough free time is related to higher levels of emotional well-being. People who spend time on activities they enjoy tend to report higher levels of happiness.
- Quality over quantity: It’s not just about the amount of free time, but also how it is used. Spending time in meaningful activities, such as hobbies, exercise or spending time with loved ones, can increase personal satisfaction more than simply having many free hours without a clear purpose.
- The balance between work and leisure: a study published in the journal “Social Indicators Research” suggests that people who achieve a proper balance between work and leisure are happier. Those who work long hours without enough time to relax or enjoy their passions often experience stress and burnout.
How many free hours are needed?
Although there is no exact figure applicable to all, some studies suggest certain ranges:
- 10 to 20 hours a week: Research suggests that spending between 10 and 20 hours on recreational activities each week may be optimal for maximising happiness. This allows enough time to disconnect from work and engage in enjoyable activities without going overboard.
- Less than 10 hours: If a person has less than 10 hours of free time a week, they may feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, which could lead to lower levels of satisfaction.
- More than 20 hours: while having more than 20 hours of free time may seem ideal, some research suggests that too many unstructured hours can lead to boredom or lack of purpose, which can also negatively affect well-being.
The most important thing is how that time is used; focusing on meaningful and fulfilling activities is key to improving quality of life.
This post was originally published on here
