While men prefer to spend their evenings in quiet togetherness, with their families, in front of the television, or pursuing a hobby, women advocate for a much more active approach to their leisure time. A motivational study by the Hamburg-based BAT Leisure Research Institute reveals that the women surveyed, half of whom are employed, are considerably more adventurous than their male partners.

Having fun and enjoyment after work is at the top of her wish list, followed by meeting friends and acquaintances, partying and going out, and spending free time outdoors or in nature.

This result reveals the sometimes significantly differing expectations of spouses, which in turn means that compromises have to be made every evening in many families. Since the desire for relaxation is also highly valued by both groups, the compromise is likely to often favor the man.

Families who spend their free time together outside their own home experience more enjoyment and satisfaction than those who primarily stay indoors. This was the finding of leisure psychologists in a study conducted by the Hamburg-based BAT Leisure Research Institute.

The mere change of scenery, the spaciousness, conveys a greater sense of personal freedom and thus the feeling of greater liberty that is so important for every family member. Psychologists observed physical reactions such as noticeable sighs of relief, more assertive movements, and literally a greater openness and willingness to move out of one's comfort zone when setting off on outings.

There is a greater openness to outdoor activities, be it hiking, play, sports, or cultural events. Family obligations ease. Opportunities for social contact arise more easily, new experiences and situations need to be processed, in short, one feels like living more consciously.

Leisure researchers recommend, however, that leisure activities be moved outdoors only gradually. Existing habits are deeply ingrained psychologically and firmly established, especially within families. One's own home is also perceived as a safe haven, and leaving it can trigger feelings of insecurity.

Those who aspire to become leisure champions should start practicing early in life. This is the advice of leisure researchers, to avoid disappointment in the face of increasing leisure time. Above all, it is important to continue leisure activities, once begun, without long breaks well into later years.

As a psychological study by the Hamburg-based BAT Leisure Research Institute has shown, many Germans have special leisure interests in their youth, play sports, are members of clubs, or try their hand at artistic endeavors. However, they usually stop these activities during vocational training or after starting a family.

However, those who have taken a break for several years rarely find their way back to their former hobby. As leisure researchers report, neither lack of time nor money is the real reason. Rather, it is psychological barriers that stand in the way of using well-known leisure activities. These include fear of starting something new, the reluctance to be accepted in an unfamiliar group, fear of risk or failure, the feeling of not being physically fit enough, or simply inertia. The declining initiative that comes with age means that starting something new becomes more difficult year by year, especially in the area of leisure.