pasttiming

Pasttiming is a term used in leisure studies to describe the deliberate practice of spending time on leisure activities, or pastimes. It encompasses how people select, schedule, and experience activities outside work and obligations. The concept blends the idea of a pastime with the ongoing, voluntary nature of the activity, emphasizing not only what people do but how they allocate time for recreation.

Pasttiming covers a wide range of activities, including solitary pursuits such as reading, gardening, crafts, and DIY projects, as well as social ones like board games, sports, clubs, volunteering, and cultural events. It can be categorized into routine pasttiming, which occurs regularly, and episodic pasttiming, such as vacations or special events. Digital technologies have also broadened pasttiming to include online gaming, streaming, and social media-based activities.

Sociocultural factors influence pasttiming, including age, gender, income, and urban or rural contexts. Cultural norms shape what counts as a worthwhile or appropriate pastime, while changes in work hours and family life affect how much time is available for leisure. Researchers study pasttiming in terms of motivation, satisfaction, rhythm, and identity, as well as its potential to foster relaxation, cognitive engagement, social bonding, and personal meaning.

Benefits and potential drawbacks are commonly discussed in the literature. Positive outcomes include stress relief, mood enhancement, skill development, and stronger social ties. Possible drawbacks involve time misallocation or opportunity costs, particularly when pasttiming conflicts with responsibilities or healthful routines. Measurement typically relies on time-use diaries, surveys that capture hours and activity diversity, and subjective well-being assessments.

See also: leisure, hobby, time use, recreation, well-being.