I’ve been daydreaming a lot lately—no, not that kind of daydreaming. I’m imagining an abundance of free time. Just picture it: no meetings, no school runs, no looming deadlines, no committees, and certainly no more Zoom calls. Just endless stretches of free time, as far as the eye can see.
However, this is just a fanciful thought for the time being. A recent study suggests that having a surplus of free time might not be the paradise I envision. According to a report by The New York Times, findings published this month in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicate that while our wellbeing improves with increased free time, this only holds true up to a point. It appears that there’s a Goldilocks principle at play—too little free time is harmful, but so is too much.
Finding a balance is essential. “Our research shows that a moderate amount of discretionary time is the sweet spot where people find the most happiness,” explained study author Jamie Thompson, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The study analyzed data from over 13,000 working Americans, inquiring about their free time and overall happiness. Researchers also engaged around 6,000 participants in imagining various scenarios with differing amounts of free time, assessing their feelings in each case. Those who envisioned spending their free time on “productive” endeavors, like exercising or pursuing hobbies, reported feeling better than those who imagined “unproductive” activities, such as binge-watching TV or scrolling through social media.
Interestingly, too much free time can be just as harmful as having too little; however, engaging in meaningful activities or spending time with others can mitigate this effect. In essence, the quality of how we utilize our free time matters more than the quantity itself. Watching endless shows can be enjoyable, but eventually, we yearn for more fulfilling interactions and contributions to our lives.
It’s also worth noting that the study focused on Americans, a culture known for its workaholic tendencies and long hours. Study author Eliza Jordan, a behavioral decision-making expert at UCLA Anderson School of Management, anticipates that cultural context could influence what constitutes too much or too little free time.
There are days when I fantasize about escaping to a remote cabin, perhaps in a different time zone to avoid all my responsibilities. Yet, deep down, I know I’d quickly become bored and lonely.
So, what do I genuinely crave when I think about having extra time? I believe I desire a little space to breathe. More importantly, I want to feel comfortable taking that breath. Yet, when I do find myself with an abundance of “free time,” I often end up stressing over what I “should” be doing. Should I organize the basement? Should I meditate or practice yoga? Should I clean the garage or bake bread? The pressure to be productive can turn precious free hours into a source of anxiety.
As the study suggests, moderation is indeed vital. But perhaps the saying “quality over quantity” also rings true when it comes to our free time.
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In summary, having too much free time can be just as detrimental as having too little. The key lies in finding a balance where we can engage in meaningful activities that enhance our well-being rather than allowing idleness to become a source of stress.
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