Psychological Restoration through Indoor and Outdoor Leisure Activities

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that participation in leisure activities not only prevents disease and improves physical health but also benefits mental health by reducing anxiety. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of various leisure activities on anxiety reduction and attention restoration. Five activities were chosen and classified into two groups: indoor and outdoor. Taiwanese students (N=203) each undertook one of the five activities. Results showed that: (a) moderate leisure activity, such as walking, was the best outdoor activity for improving mental health; (b) chatting also reduced anxiety and restored attention; and (c) surfing the Internet and exercising both failed to significantly improve mental health. In addition, outdoor activities were better for restoring attention compared to indoor activities.

Keywords:

• recreation therapy
• stress reduction
• attention restoration
• psychological benefit