Leisure time keeps people happy (from Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 21 January 2010)

According to new research, people are happier and feel better on weekends, said a report in the Los Angeles Times.

So why state the obvious, you might think. Well, the study does make some interesting observations about everyone's favourite time of the week.

For example, everyone is happier on the weekend even for people who love their jobs, no matter what their profession and how much they are paid.

The study found that people love the freedom associated with weekends and even feel better physically.

The most surprising find? People say they feel more competent during the weekend than they do while at their day-to-day jobs.

Researchers based their findings on responses from 74 volunteers aged 18 to 62, whose experiences were monitored three times daily for 21 consecutive days.

The study reinforces what is known as the 'self-determination theory', which means that well-being is based on one's personal needs for autonomy, competence and social relationships.
People can tap into those needs more readily on the weekend. Conversely, they may experience time pressures, work demands and unpleasant relationships at work.

'The relatively unfettered time on weekends provides critical opportunities for bonding with others, exploring interests and relaxing - basic psychological needs that people should be careful not to crowd out with overwork," head researcher Richard Ryan from the University of Rochester said.

The study was published in this month's issue of Journal Of Social And Clinical Psychology.
The research reaffirms how important leisure time is to a person's well-being.