Leisure time is the goal for most people, the prize at the end of a long week. But research shows that leisure time is becoming increasingly stressful. Worries over how to have more free time and how to spend it are common. And some people fail to enjoy leisure time at all, instead prioritising productivity.
This reflects a trend we’re seeing in recent years for long working hours and a lack of leisure time being seen as a status symbol. This fuels the concept that we should maximise rare moments of leisure when they do occur.
High expectations and productive leisure
This attitude leads to a high amount of research and planning and high expectations for more spectacular ways to spend free time. Leisure activities can become competitive with marathons, mountain climbs and other extraordinary feats becoming a normal way to spend free time.
On the flip side, those who dislike leisure time, feeling it wasteful, may combine activities such as listening to podcasts whilst running. Sadly, these concepts and attitudes seem to be deeply entrenched and they may be making us less happy.
So how should we be spending leisure time?
Fortunately, we can hack this mindset for efficiency and know exactly how to make the most of our free time. Research shows the optimal amount of leisure time is 2.5 hours per day. People with less free time tend to feel stressed whilst people with more feel idle.
It’s good to live more in the moment and not to place pressure on yourself to enjoy your leisure time. You may find it rewarding to pursue a hobby. Knitting is one of the most popular crafts in recent years and knitting kits are an efficient and easy way to begin. For example, knitting kits from Wool Couture provide everything you need to get started and maximise your hobby time.
We also know the ideal length of a holiday is around 8 days. Happiness and well-being peak on day 8 of a holiday with no noticeable effects beyond this. It’s up to you how to enjoy this!
