Study shows too much free time can negatively affect wellbeing - here is how you can fix it

Written by Stephen Linsley

You may be yearning for the day you retire, or better yet win the lottery, but research has just surfaced that suggests that there is such a thing as too much free time and it can have a negative impact on wellbeing.?

A study published by the American Psychological Association has discovered the optimum amount of free time for our wellbeing.?

It found that between 2 and 5 hours of downtime per day was ideal for boosting happiness, whereas anything less or more in fact had a negative impact (excluding time spent on care duties or voluntary work).?

So why does this aspirational state of having lots of time at your disposal, actually affect us in such a way? It can be down to…

• Losing our sense of our purpose?
• Being sedentary can impact our physical wellbeing- leading to us feeling unhealthy, lethargic and low self esteem?
• Feeling less productive - even if we are during work

Burnout is one of the main drivers of poor mental health in the workforce, so it is also worth noting that this is absolutely NOT a case for sacrificing your time. Oak Engage’s upcoming Mental Health in the Workplace Report found that 32% of employees who had suffered mental or physical stress in the workplace did so due to expectation or pressure and 19% due to overworking. Having sufficient time away from work is essential.?

However, there are things you can do during your free time after work to feel refreshed and improve your wellbeing. The little things can have a significant impact.?

Here are some tips…?

• Exercise- It is amazing what 30 minutes of exercise can do for your wellbeing. Regular exercise will improve your physical health, your confidence and provide a sense of achievement?
• Socialising- Our personal relationships are something that we should prioritise in our spare time. Spending time with family and friends, above all enjoying yourself, will give you respite from your job, whilst giving you a sense of purpose.?
• Classes or self-learning- Learning a new skill is always a satisfying thing, even if you’re not particularly good at it! Learning how to play an instrument, speak a new language, how to cook are all fun activities that give you a sense of achievement in your free time.?
• Attend sports events- Seeing your favourite or local sports team can help give you a sense of belonging and enjoyment.?
• Appreciate art- Appreciating art and music can help you detach from the ‘real-world’.?
• Volunteer- Dedicating your free time to help others is incredibly selfless but also rewarding!
• Be in nature- Getting out in nature can clear your mind and help you slow the pace down if everything in life is a bit too frantic.

What helps you to switch off from work whilst maintaining your wellbeing? Let us know in the comments!