How active leisure time can improve mental health

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published May 2, 2025 at 10:57 AM CDT

A kayaker paddles in the water. (Business Wire/AP)

Doing more with your time off can improve your life and make you happier. Instead of looking at leisure time as an opportunity to scroll social media for hours or sink into the couch and binge-watch reality television, author and social scientist Arthur Brooks recommends using time outside of work to learn, cultivate skills and build relationships, because it leads to greater happiness.

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks with Arthur Brooks about the science of this and how to get more out of our spare time.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Related Content

WSIU – Powered by You

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.