Research Reveals That Engaging in Effortful Leisure Activities Enhances Perceived Meaning and Purpose

Recent studies highlight that leisure activities demanding more mental effort, such as puzzles or challenging games, are often associated with a greater sense of meaning and purpose compared to effortless activities like social media browsing. Conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto and published in Communications Psychology, this research explores how effort influences our perception of an activity’s significance.

The investigation was inspired by earlier findings suggesting that effort, despite often being viewed as frustrating or unpleasant, can actually contribute to feelings of fulfillment. Lead researcher Aidan Campbell explained that while effort is generally minimized or avoided, many individuals actively seek out challenging tasks because they associate effort with personal growth and value.

The researchers tested this idea using various tools, including cognitive tasks like mental math, and real-life leisure activities, such as puzzles and casual online entertainment. Their findings demonstrated that activities requiring more effort are perceived as more meaningful, even though people often underestimate how enjoyable effortful leisure can be.

Additionally, the study revealed that people tend to misjudge their own experiences, believing effortful activities will be less enjoyable than they actually are. This mismatch highlights an opportunity to reconsider leisure choices, as engaging in effortful hobbies may enhance overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Furthermore, the research examined the impact of AI assistance in work tasks, noting that automation might reduce feelings of meaning associated with work activities. As work becomes more automated, engaging in effortful leisure could compensate for the loss of purpose derived from employment, providing a vital source of fulfillment.

The study also involved a large survey of over 1,000 students who rated their activities based on effort, enjoyment, and meaningfulness. Results consistently showed that effortful activities are often seen as more meaningful and enjoyable than expected. Campbell emphasized that, despite common avoidance, the perceived benefits of effortful leisure suggest it could play a crucial role in promoting psychological well-being.

In conclusion, the findings encourage individuals to challenge their leisure routines by opting for activities that require mental effort. Doing so may not only boost feelings of accomplishment but also deepen one’s sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-effortful-pastimes-meaningful-requiring-minimal.html