Research by Hershfield and colleagues, based on data from 35,000 people, shows that a lack of free time leads to increased stress and lower subjective well-being. This is not surprising, as too little time for relaxation and personal activities can result in a feeling of exhaustion and dissatisfaction. However, the research also reveals that too much free time is not always better. From about five hours of free time per day, well-being starts to decline again, unless this time is filled with social activities.
Free time is essential for rest and recovery, but an excess can lead to a sense of purposelessness. This is because a large part of our free time is often consumed by distractions such as mobile phones and social media, which can ultimately feel like wasted time. It is important to find a balance where free time is not only sufficient for relaxation, but also spent meaningfully. This can be achieved, for example, by engaging in activities that promote personal growth or stimulate social interactions.
Related:
- Working outside of normal working hours can undermine intrinsic motivation, as it prompts people to reflect on how they could have spent their day better if they had not worked
- Take the time to think about, dream of, and look forward to future activities
- The expectation that you check email outside of working hours can lead to health problems, relationship issues, and anxiety
- A four-day workweek improves employee well-being without reducing productivity
- Hard work
