Planned Leisure Can Be a Job-Stress Tactic, Researcher Says

A researcher who works with prison inmates has learned some things about leisure that can help professionals cope with job stress.

Alison Link told the New York Times that stressed-out employees can do better work and feel more satisfied by adding “small bits of leisure” into their days. In one case, she helped a busy television professional who was so unhappy that she was considering a big lifestyle change.

Link had her make a list of ways she could take 10 or 15 minute breaks to do things she enjoyed. The list included calling a friend, walking to get coffee, sitting in the park, and walking to work. The employee found that adding these activities made her more happy in the workplace.

Planning a satisfying leisure life can help individuals facing major life changes, Link told the newspaper. “Improving our relationship with leisure can also reduce job stress, improve work-related skills, increase tolerance and understanding, and enhance decision-making.”