In Praise of Effortful Fun

Instrumental music teachers work very hard at their jobs (at least the good ones do), and they spend a lot of time planning, organizing and rehearsing their ensembles. Burn-out is something many teachers experience, even temporarily. Leisure time is time to be treasured. We need a release from the day-to-day responsibilities, problems and commitments. When you think about how you spend your down moments it might surprise you to consider that planned, active leisure time (effortful) can be more rewarding and beneficial than unplanned, inactive leisure time (effortless).

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Yes, there are days when all you want to do when you get home is lay on the couch and flip through the channels, or sit and scroll through your tweets, and we all need times like this, where you simply shut off your mind for a while. But while this kind of effortless fun may be more relaxing, effortful fun makes life more worth living. And ultimately, since effortful fun creates more memories, it helps us feel like we have more time.

According to the American Time Use Survey, the average American with a full-time job has 3.92 hours of leisure time per day (less, of course during marching season). Of this, 2.32 hours is spent watching TV or using an electronic device or computer for personal pursuits. Effortful fun includes activities such as playing in a community band, taking a cooking class, participating in a weekly book club or meeting up with friends. These things involve commitment and possibly planning. The idea that fun takes commitment or work stops many of us in our tracks. We may even resist the idea. But consider this. We spend an awful lot of time scrolling through Instagram posts about other people's outdoor activities, rather than participating in our own outdoor activities. One may be more relaxing, but the other will be far more meaningful. It will also be more memorable. Often, when we say "where did the time go?" what we mean is that we don't remember where the time went. Memories stretch time, and when you remember the memories of your leisure time activities that required planning or effort, time will seem more full and rich.

Two years ago I developed an interest in long distance backpacking. This interest developed strictly out of time spent reading "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed, watching YouTube videos of people on the Appalachian Trail, and visiting with two of my close band director friends who enjoy long-distance hiking. I purchased gear and embarked on my first three-day overnight hike. This activity involved a lot of planning, and it was the hardest physical thing I've ever done. But now I'm hooked, and I look forward to the times when I can get back on the trail, whether it is a day hike or a week long backpacking journey. I even treasure my time outside, even if it's just to work in the garden or take a walk around the neighborhood. I've made a decision to try to spend more of my free time involved in things that will be memorable, rather than mindless things that have no lasting impact. Oh, I still spend time on Facebook and in front of the TV (sometimes I mentally kick myself for the time I waste there), but I now have a longing to get out and do things that create memories.

Remember, leisure time is filled with something. It will pass one way or another. You can choose to spend those hours on things you don't remember or you can choose to spend your time in ways that make you feel more complete. So look at your life and ask what sort of effortful fun might make your life more meaningful and enjoyable. Maybe it's volunteering somewhere for a cause you are passionate about, or joining a sports team, or playing your instrument in a weekly small chamber ensemble with friends. Yes, it takes work. Yes, it may not be completely relaxing. But so what? What are you saving your energy for?