Abstract
Social distancing policies have been implemented around the world to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These measures have included temporary restrictions on mass gatherings and the closure of public facilities, limiting the pursuit of leisure activities such as travel while allowing more time for at-home pursuits, including creative activities such as gardening and painting. Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of physical activity for psychological well-being during COVID-19, but less attention has been given to the potential benefits of creative pursuits, such as arts and music. The present study investigated changes in the pursuit of creative, non-creative, and physical leisure activities and the relationship between engaging in leisure, the motivations for and barriers to pursuing these activities, and psychological well-being during COVID-19. A total of 3,827 participants from 74 countries completed an online leisure activities questionnaire and the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index. Logistic regression indicated that gender, age, social distancing adherence, and employment status significantly predicted leisure engagement during COVID-19. Compared to sports and outdoor pursuits, participation in creative activities was generally more likely to increase during this period, while participation in non-creative activities was less likely to increase. Multiple linear regression indicated that maintaining or increasing time on leisure activities significantly predicted well-being during COVID-19, with increased time spent on home crafts and artisanship, fine arts, musical and performing arts engagement, sports and outdoor pursuits, niche and IT interests, and language activities each predicting higher well-being outcomes. Motivations such as seeking creative expression and mental stimulation, keeping fit, and maintaining social connections also predicted higher well-being. These findings suggest that participation in both physical and creative leisure activities may offer protective benefits for well-being during COVID-19, and that strategies to promote engagement in creative activities should also be considered in future guidance for mental health during periods of lockdown or isolation.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many aspects of daily life, including the pursuit of leisure activities
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a rise in mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels (Rajkumar, 2020; Torales et al, 2020)
In the midst of pandemic-related stress and uncertainty, leisure pursuits may act as a refuge for mental health, allowing individuals to become immersed in personally meaningful activities, or by helping to promote work-life balance in a world where work and home are often indistinguishable (Buettner et al, 2011; Hayes et al, 2020)
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many aspects of daily life, including the pursuit of leisure activities. Social distancing refers to measures taken to reduce social interaction and the spread of COVID-19, including behaviors such as: maintaining spatial distance from strangers and household members exhibiting symptoms; avoiding non-essential travel, use of public transport, and social gatherings; and working from home when possible (e.g., United Kingdom Cabinet Office, 2021). Increased time for leisure has coincided with restricted access to popular leisure facilities such as gyms and restaurants (Courtemanche et al, 2020), causing many to look toward activities available closer to home In some cases, this may result in activities being dropped and substituted for comparable alternatives, e.g., outdoor running instead of gym-going or watching concerts online instead of in person, whereas in other cases this may facilitate the pursuit of an entirely new hobby. The range of possible activities that an individual might undertake is in part limited by regional social distancing guidance and/or access to various facilities
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