As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to limit social interactions, it has provided an opportunity to highlight the challenges that affect people's mental health. Because of this, frequent discussions concerning people's overall well-being are continued to be raised in hopes of spreading awareness to the general public. One of these efforts includes the study regarding one's perspective with regards to having leisure time.
According to research reported in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, thinking that leisure is a waste of time may be detrimental to one's mental health. The study argues that participating in leisure activities provides numerous advantages for mental health as it provides an avenue for expression. However, many individuals still see leisure activities as unessential to their daily lives.
Four separate trials were conducted wherein 199 university students were surveyed regarding their feelings and thoughts about engaging in leisure activities. Participants were also asked about their degrees of happiness, despair, anxiety, and stress. These trials revealed that participants who believed leisure activities were a waste of time did not only enjoy them less but also reported having worse mental health.
People who believed leisure was a waste did not enjoy leisure activities as much, whether they involved physical activity like exercise or simple things like watching TV or hanging out with friends. Additionally, they were less joyful and had higher levels of tension, anxiety, and sadness the more they believed that leisure time was a waste.
Social distancing and limited social interactions have been continuously pushing those with mental health concerns to a corner as these parameters make them more susceptible to anxiety and depression. By emphasizing studies like these, one could create a safe space in which mental health issues can be tackled without judgment.
Comments
Post a Comment