How Much Free Time is Good For You?
Free time is defind as the time when you are neither working nor studing but can do what ever you want. We always try to take out time from busy schedule to do things which give us happiness. A designated free time is all one wants to feel relaxed and happy. As an individual’s free time increases, the sense of feeling good also increases.
But how much free time is good for an individual? Suppose, you have been given a paid holiday assignment, where you can do what you want or whatever keeps you happy and with no end date. How long will you remain happy?
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, too much free time is a bad thing. The research analysed 21736 Americans and professors from Wharton and Harvard universities were involved in this research. They found out that too less of discretionary time is bad and so is the too much free time.
It has been observed that almost 120 to 150 minutes of discretion time every day is good enough. We know that time is money and money spent well brings happy feel. Free time every day increases life satisfaction and feeling of well being. Many of us are not happy inspite of having free time.
The problem is, many of us are spending our free time in ways that aren’t really making us happy, says James Wallman, author of “Time and How To Spend It
Leisure time is any time when you’re not occupied with work or chores, paid or unpaid. “It’s the time equivalent of ‘disposable income. So how can we optimize the free time in the best possible way? While there’s no perfect activity that’s best for everyone, some experiences are useless like “junk foods” and others are like “superfoods.”
The “superfood” activities put you into “a state of optimal experience arising from intense involvement in an activity that is enjoyable,” according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Finding activities that lead to increase creativity and happiness is the key.
Experts believe that happiness can be achieved when the skills are being utilized. It results in feeling motivated and has a sense of “total control. Wallman says that any pleasurable activity that truly challenges us has the potential to lead to the elusive fullfilment which so many people are after from their leisure time.
Here are some suggestions to think about to invest your time and energy in:
- Creating memories through experiences gives us stories to tell and share (on social media :P) gives happiness. For example, going out with a friend might lead to a better “story” than re-watching your favorite TV show alone in your living room. The experiences which developsl connections with other people provides purpose and meaning in our lives. And when you share a story with someone else, it results in developing kinship which increases the happiness even more.
- Any activity that helps you grow as a person and gives you a purpose to your existence works better for your satisfaction and happy quotient. Learning new skills or capabilities, change your world view, lead to epiphanies or move you toward a greater goal are all “transformational.” This could be anything from learning a new recipe to taking an improvement class.
- Unplugging from digital devices and notifications when you’re relaxing or spending time with others can help you tune into “real life”.
- An 80-year long Harvard study showed that relationships,not money, predicted how happy and healthy one can become with age. Spending free time with friends and family members, or keeping in touch on the phone, deepens the relationships. By keeping in contact,it becomes easy to share the happiness with others.
- Engage in leisurely activities which utilize the skills and passions, because we’re happier when we are fully engaged with something that requires all of our energy. Removing distractions while you complete a task or activity is one way to fully engage.
- Some moments like watching a sunset or sunrise, spending time with children or visiting monuments improve mood. Perhaps being with nature or family can make you appreciate ordinary moments even more.
- Being popular and well known in community is one of the traits of human beings care about in their social status. Rather than chasing more material possessions, giving back to the community through volunteering is one way to make the social status more meaningful, and make you feel that you’re playing an active role in society.
I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa.
This is my second post for Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa 2021.
First post can be read here – https://neerjabhatnagar.com/2021/06/22/those-four-wheels/
Enjoying the time in hand without feeling a pressure for being productive is a tight rope walk if one is freelancer or full time content creator when you are your own boss. thanks for sharing some pointers to ease that walk!
True that. I had been a freelance content writer for almost two decades, though hung my shoes recently. I can totally relate to what you have mentioned. 🙂
This is a beautiful post. This lockdown has taught me all this you have mentioned and much more. Much needed!
Thanks ! The lockdown has really been a great teacher… Covid being the Principal. 🙂
My favourite activity to do when I have free time to sprawl on the bed and just be 😊
Thanks for writing this post, it gave me a different perspective to look at what free time should look like.
Thanks Neha for taking time to go through the post. Happy to know that it has added a new perspective.
you’re absolutely right too much or too little of free time both are harmful to you. it should be just right that you appreciate the importance of time too.
How we use our “free time” has a great impact on our health and well-being. You have given really good pointers to use our time to make memories and connections.
Thank you so much for stopping. I am so happy that it helped.
Lockdown has taught us a lot of lessons and this is one of them.
That’s an excellent post on free time, Neerja. Many of us need to learn how to utilize our free time. I never really know how to do it. But will follow the tips that you have shared.
I loved your post. This is a kind of trend to live a hectic life and people love to spend time with gadgets in their time instead of nature or family. The percentage is quite less who value the importance of nature and time with family.
I concur with your thoughts. Spending time with friends & family, nature is the best time to be used in free time.
Thank you !
Reading this post has given me a new perspective about time and how to divide it and spend it. Thanks so much for sharing.
My pleasure ! Happy to know that it helped.
That’s such a nice article.
Yes there should be a healthy balance of free time and work time.
Thanks Swati.
NICE POST
Thanks Anuradha .
That is an interesting viewpoint. It is okay to take a break sometimes and not do anything at all. That said, it is always best to make the most of our time instead of idling it away.
The lockdown has been a good teacher for everyone. We learned to appreciate life and the little things. I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I think during the pandemic, I have spent more time with kids, friends and nature all in one. Good post.
A purpose in life is essential to keep you going. Also, too much free time is boring without any activity. A mixture of both work and play keeps you happy.
Empty mind is a devils workshop 🙂 we need to be mindful about how we spend time 🙂
Very interesting post on how much free time one should have and how to spend it wisely…anything and everything in moderation, I guess!
Beautiful post on the usage of free time. The pandemic has taught so many lessons and loved all the tips mentioned.
Too much of free time has never worked for me. Like you said, there needs to be a healthy balance between productive and leisure time.
It is truue- free time should also be limit and the ways you have given are extremely good. These activities will surely keep one going.
Oh such a great post. These days time is elusive for me. But I agree that everything is good in moderation.
You have shared some interesting tips and points. We have to balance between too much and too little free time!