Activities
Things you do in your free time that feel meaningful. For example sport, dance, gaming in a team, playing an instrument or volunteering.
The page in brief
- Activities are things you do in your free time that feel meaningful.
- It can be sport, music, scouts, games, reading or making something.
- What matters is that the activity gives you energy, joy or a feeling of belonging.
- Why not try something new, for example a new hobby or a club?
Why are meaningful activities important?
Since our thoughts and feelings are partly shaped by what we spend our time on, what we do in our free time matters. Having settings that feel meaningful and activities we want to spend time on increases our chances of feeling well. It can be anything from training, scouts or singing in a choir to games, reading or creative work – what matters is that it feels rewarding to you. There seem to be particular benefits for wellbeing from creative activities such as dance, music, drama and art, and from activities where you help someone else. That could be helping younger children with homework, keeping older people company or volunteering.
Examples of meaningful activities
- Hobbies, leisure activities and interests
- Causes close to your heart, community involvement
- Making things, creative groups
What makes an activity meaningful?
- It gives you energy and joy
- It lets you develop and learn new things
- It gives you a sense of connection and belonging
Tips for finding meaningful activities in your everyday life
Try something new
Try a new hobby or join a club.
Prioritise what makes you happy
Make sure you really take time for activities you enjoy, whether or not your friends like the same things.
Be present
Try to enjoy the activity without multitasking or thinking about other things.
Find a good balance
Find a mix of calm activities and ones that give you energy.
Talk with your child
Open questions make it easier to talk about everyday life without it turning into an interrogation.
“Is there an activity or interest that gives you energy, meaning or joy, or that you simply like?”
“Do you get the chance to do it at the moment? What are they like? Is there anyone who supports you in it?”
Show that you are curious, ask open questions and listen to understand. Sum up what you have heard and ask if you have understood correctly. Focus on balance, not on what is wrong.
The questions come from Det syns inte’s conversation material “Må bra samtal” (feel-good conversations).
Want to work with this at school?
Det syns inte is a school programme about mental health, the brain and life with screens. It is built on drama films and research, and is used by teachers, mentors and school health teams together with the students. The programme’s website is in Swedish.