The IAA One Minute Blog

Not sure whether to keep working or take a break and relax? Experts say to clock out. Making leisure time a priority is good for your mental health. For many though, especially people who prize productivity, it is a hard sell, a new study finds.

Experiments on Leisure Time

For the study, researchers did a series of experiments to find out what happens when people go through life viewing productivity as the ultimate goal, and having fun a waste of time.

In one experiment, the investigators asked 199 college students to rate how much they enjoyed several leisure activities and then had them complete assessments that measured their levels of happiness, depression, anxiety, and stress. Students were also asked how much they agreed with five statements such as “time spent on leisure activities is often wasted time.” Those who saw leisure as wasteful were less happy and more depressed, anxious and stressed the researchers found.

In another experiment, 302 volunteers were asked how they celebrated Halloween and how much they enjoyed it. Again, those who saw leisure as a waste of time reported less enjoyment of parties and other holiday activities they viewed as just for fun.  According to the study author, those who participated in fun activities that fulfilled responsibilities (like trick or treating with one’s children) didn’t see a reduction in how much they enjoyed their Halloween. And the negative views of leisure affected enjoyment of anything fun—regardless of the situation or how short the leisure activity was, the findings showed.

In a third study, college students were asked to watch a short, funny cat video in the middle of other parts of an experiment. Even though they were at the lab to do mostly boring survey work, and some had read that leisure could help manage stress and boost energy, some still didn’t enjoy the videos, the researchers said.

The experiments show it’s not easy to change people’s beliefs about the value of leisure, the team noted.

The report was published recently in the “Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.”

It’s Time for Self-Care

Self-care means taking the time to do things that will help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage your stress, lower your risk of illness and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated: A balanced healthy diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.
• Focus on positivity: Identify and challenge negative thoughts.
• Get regular exercise: Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health.
• Make sleep a priority: Stick to a schedule and make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Practice gratitude: Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for.
• Set goals and priorities: Decide what must get done and what can wait. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
• Stay connected: Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
• Try a relaxing activity: Explore relaxation or wellness programs, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy. 

Self-care looks different for everyone and it is important to find what you need and enjoy.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you to take the time for self-care. Self-care is important for everyone’s mental health. IAA encourages everyone to add some leisure time to their life.

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