Active Leisure Time

Here’s some interesting thoughts on our use of leisure time from Dr. David Myers’ book, Pursuit of Happiness:
§ Only 3% of people watching TV experience a sense of “flow” (a rewarding, fulfilling activity); 39% experience feelings of apathy.
§ 47% of people engaged in arts and hobbies experience “flow”; only 4% experience apathy.

“The less expensive (and generally more involving) a leisure activity, the happier people are while doing it. Most people are happier gardening than power boating, talking to friends than watching TV….People are unhappiest when they are alone and nothing needs doing.”

“Off your duffs, couch potatoes. Pick up your camera. Tune up that instrument. Sharpen those woodworking tools. Get out those quilting needles. Inflate the family basketball. Pull down a good book. Oil the fishing reel. It’s time to head out to the garden store. To invite friends over for tea. To pull down the Scrabble game. To write a letter. To go for a drive. Rather than vegetating in self-focused idleness, lose yourself in the flow of active work and play.”