Leisure Spending Habits Post-COVID Study
Leisure Spending Habits Post-COVID Study
4190
Summary
In today's modern world, recreation plays an increasingly important role, as one of its most important goals is to
maintain health and increase our ability to work. The past few years have been defined by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a result, many areas of life have changed, such as health, the economy, education, entertainment and travel. After
the introduction of restrictions, we spent more time at home, so activities in our free time also changed. It is important
to make good use of the extra time available to us in addition to work.
The aim of the study was to observe how busy the participants spend their days and how much time they spend on
each activity. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire in which 343 people participated. In terms
of gender distribution, women accounted for 72% and men for 28%. The survey covered active and passive actions.
The questions covered separate weekdays and weekends, thus providing a comprehensive picture of leisure habits.
Introduction
In today's modern world, recreation plays an increasingly important role, as one of its most im-
portant goals is to maintain health and increase our ability to work. Health as a value appears do-
minantly in the design of our lifestyle and lifestyle elements (Bácsné et al. 2021a, Müller-Bácsné
2018). Nowadays, more and more people lead a sedentary lifestyle (Simon et al. 2020, Bácsné et al.
2023, Bácsné et. al. 2022, Ráthonyi et al. 2021, Bácsné et. al. 2021b), which can be the source of
many health problems due to inactivity (Bácsné et al. 2020). Therefore, this sedentary lifestyle
should be counterbalanced in leisure time (Müller et al. 2013). Leisure habits greatly influence our
everyday life and quality of life. However, weekdays and weekends can present different oppor-
tunities and challenges for us when we want to spend time with our hobbies or relax (Nagy –
Fazekas 2016). In a modern, fast-paced world, leisure activities are becoming increasingly important
for a healthy lifestyle (Pfau et al. 2018) and a balanced lifestyle (Gregor 2008).
We usually have less time on weekdays, as we work, study or have other activities (Takács 2008).
Therefore, we usually spend our time on these days doing something that takes less time, such as
playing sports or reading (Boda et al. 2019). For the most part, these activities can fit into our
schedule and help reduce stress. In addition, the advancement of the Internet and technology al-
lows us to stay in touch with each other and, of course, we can immediately get information about
work, which takes us out of rest (Ropolyi 2006).
However, the weekend gives us more opportunities to fit longer programs into our daily routi-
nes. This can be, for example, a trip, a cinema, a concert or a longer sports activity. A popular area
of weekend leisure is wellness holidays or spa visits, the goals of which are relaxation, relaxation,
stress relief and rejuvenation (Kinczel-Müller 2022, Könyves et al. 2005, Lengyel et al. 2021, Müller
et al. 2008, Ráthonyi-Ráthonyi-Ódor 2017, Müller – Szabó 2009, Müller et al. 2011.a, b., Müller et
al. 2018a). However, longer holidays also appear in tourist travel, in which activity, useful leisure
119
Baba E. – Kozma T. – Pálinkás R. – Popovicsné Sz. Z.
time and cultural motivations provide relaxation (Müller et al. 2023). More free time ensures that
we can spend more time with family, friends or just relaxing (Hegedűs 2007).
In addition, on weekdays, it is important to continue working or studying even after free time.
Therefore, choose leisure activities that turn us off (Borbély and Müller, 2008).
Boda – Herpainé (2015) introduced non-sport physical activities and sport-recreational activities.
The first category includes hobby-type activities, nature sports, folk games and forms of exercise
that can be carried out in the apartment. The second category included aerobic sports, aesthetic
sports, strength sports, martial and self-defense sports, sports games, winter sports, water sports
and technical sports. Hobby-type activities are those where we relax in good company by having
fun. This can be gardening or even fishing. The opportunities provided by nature offer many prog-
rams. Hiking and excursions are available, which are part of the nature sports. Folk games are
specific to a particular community or nationality but nowadays people take over the games of each
other's peoples. In our home, it is easy and time-saving to do gymnastics or various exercises.
Aerobic sports are effective and have a very good effect on the human body. This includes walking,
cycling, eating or rollerblading. Aesthetic sports are usually done to music, in order to bring about
changes in our appearance. Strength sports are most characteristic of the male sex, as they prefer
bodybuilding and similar movements. The following sports are related to sports games: table tennis,
football, tennis, volleyball, badminton, etc. Winter sports are best used in the colder seasons. Even
water sports are available in several places, especially swimming. However, rowing or kayaking can
be a very good program during the summer. The last field of activity is technical sports. These have
become most widespread recently. Examples include mountain biking, rollerblading or skydiving.
Among leisure trends, one can observe a high interest in extreme sports, which is significant due
to its escape from everyday life and its experience-centricity (Kinczel et al. 2022, Müller et al. 2019,
Müller et al. 2018b).
120
Eximination of Leisure Spending Habits Broken Down by Weekdays and Weekends
Winter
Sportsgames sports
Technical
Water sports
sports
2. Figure: Diagram showing sports and recreational activities
Source: My own editing, based on Boda – Herpainé (2015)
The research took place in summer 2022 in a questionnaire format. Which was filled in online.
Social media helped us with this, as it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly implementa-
tion. The data was downloaded in tabular format using Google Forms. Evaluation was performed
using SPSS software.
The sample consisted of 343 people, 72% women and 28% men. In terms of age distribution,
most people belong to the 18-25 age group, they are present in 49%. In order to make it easier to
interpret leisure activities, it was necessary to find out the types of residences, since this can be an
influencing factor. 48.4% in cities, which provides many opportunities.
Results
In the following, we will present each activity, how the distributions have evolved and how much
time people spend with them in their free time. When it comes to watching television, 55.1% of
respondents spend an average of 2 hours or less on a weekday. Even at the weekends, more people
spend time on this, as 58.3% watch television at this time. Other domestic research also confirms
recreational consumer habits that TV viewing associated with inactivity dominates leisure activities
of different target groups (Kinczel-Müller 2020, Kinczel et al. 2020, Laoues et al. 2021). During the
working day, more people (68.2%) prefer to watch movies or series rather than TV shows. Howe-
ver, only 63.3% spend their free time at the weekends. More than half of the respondents do not
spend time playing online games at the weekdays or at the weekends. Those who like to play also
sacrifice a maximum of 2 hours of their day, which is also confirmed by trends (Molnár et al. 2020).
121
Baba E. – Kozma T. – Pálinkás R. – Popovicsné Sz. Z.
Listening to music can be in every part of our lives, so it is mostly used not for relaxation per se,
but alongside some other activity. This could be exercising, playing sports, shopping or travelling.
68.8% spends a maximum of 2 hours on weekdays, while at the weekends it is slightly less (63.9%).
It can often be seen in everyday life that social media sites are used with pleasure, as these applica-
tions are also opened on public transport or in gyms. 74.1% spend about 2 hours on weekdays,
while only 69.4% spend the same amount of time at the weekends. Human beings are social beings,
so programs where we are in community are necessary to reduce loneliness. The survey revealed
that 69.7% mostly organize family and friends activities on weekdays, while only 42% do so at the
weekends. The popularity of spending time together with family is also confirmed by several Hun-
garian studies (Herpainé et al. 2017, Herpainé 2018). Cultural activities included visits to museums,
exhibitions and theatrical performances. Here there are roughly equal proportions of those who
do not spend time at all (35.6%) or less than 1 hour (38.8%) on a weekday. A similar situation was
observed over the weekend. 70% of the sampled participants read no more than 2 hours on
working days, even slightly fewer (66.5%) relax with this leisure activity at the weekends. However,
reading is an excellent recreational activity that expands vocabulary and develops imagination. Go-
ing to the cinema is now more expensive than several years ago. This is mostly due to economic
reasons. The survey shows that the majority of people do not take advantage of this option (83.7%
on weekdays, 68.8% on weekends). Exercise, physical activity and fresh air are great ways to spend
active leisure. Going to the gym, running, cycling, swimming, or badminton can all be great options.
84% spend time playing sports on weekdays, while only 72.2% spend time with it at the weekends.
Passive sports consumption also appears in everyday life as a recreational activity. However, 22.1%
on weekdays and slightly more at the weekends (29.7%) prefer to attend sporting events. It can be
a sporting event when a competitive game takes place or at an amateur level, for example, in a
youth training match. Hungarian research confirms that attending sporting events, i.e. passive
sports consumption, is also integrated into everyday recreation, if not with the widest mass base
(Balogh et al.2021). The goal of wellness is to maintain health and well-being. Its effects on the
body include reducing stress and pain, preventing cardiovascular diseases and strengthening the
immune system. Despite this, people hardly spend time on these leisure activities, which is due to
the fact that they appear more in tourist activities (Müller et al. 2005, Müller-Könyves 2006, Müller
et al. 2016).
122
Eximination of Leisure Spending Habits Broken Down by Weekdays and Weekends
123
Baba E. – Kozma T. – Pálinkás R. – Popovicsné Sz. Z.
124
Eximination of Leisure Spending Habits Broken Down by Weekdays and Weekends
The active and passive leisure activities listed in the research appear in both people's recreational
activity system. Experience shows that leisure activities associated with sedentary activity (watching
TV, listening to music, playing online games) dominate, which increases the inactivity that is already
characteristic of the lifestyle of Hungarians. Sports and leisure activities involving physical activity
should be increased, as these bring the health benefits that can help prevent lifestyle-dependent
diseases appearing in Hungary.
References
125
Baba E. – Kozma T. – Pálinkás R. – Popovicsné Sz. Z.
126
Eximination of Leisure Spending Habits Broken Down by Weekdays and Weekends
[22.] Müller A. – Bácsné Bába É. – Kinczel A. – Molnár A. – Boda J. E. – Papp-Váry Á.; Tütünkov
-Hrisztov J. (2023): Recreational Factors Influencing the Choice of Destination of Hungarian
Tourists in the Case of Bulgaria. Sustainability, 15(1), 1–18.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010151
[23.] Müller A. – Bácsné Bába É. – Pfau C. – Molnár A. – Laoues-Czimbalmos N. (2019): Extrém
sportfogyasztás vizsgálata egy kutatás tükrében. International journal of engineering and management
sciences / Műszaki és menedzsment tudományi közlemények, 4(3), 135–142.
https://doi.org/10.21791/IJEMS.2019.3.13.
[24.] Müller A. – Bácsné Bába É. (2018): Az egészséges életmód és a sport kapcsolata. Létavértes:
Létavértes SC ’97 Egyesület
[25.] Müller A. – Bíró M. – Hidvégi P. – Váczi P. – Plachy J. – Juhász I. – Hajdú P. – Seres J. (2013):
Fitnesz trendek a rekreációban. Acta academiae paedagogicae agriensis nova series: sectio sport, 40. 25–
34.
[26.] Müller A. – Boda E. J. – Ráthonyi G. – Ráthonyi-Odor K. – Barcsák B. – Könyves E. – Bíró
M. – Dobay B. – Bendíkova E. (2016): Analysis of the cavebath of Miskolctapolca’s brand
elements and guests satisfaction. Apstract – applied studies in agribusiness and commerce, 10(4–5),
155–160. https://doi.org/10.19041/apstract/2016/4-5/20
[27.] Müller A. – Bolega S. – Gabnai Z. – Bácsné Bába É. – Pfau C. (2018b): A BMX, és egyéb
extrém sportok választásának motivációs tényezői. International journal of engineering and manage-
ment sciences, 3(4), 426–441. https://doi.org/10.21791/ijems.2018.4.35.
[28.] Müller A. – Kerényi E. – Könyves E. (2011a): Effect of climate therapy and rehabilitation in
Mátra Medical Institute Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce. Apstract - applied stu-
dies in agribusiness and commerce, 5(3–4), 39–42. https://doi.org/10.19041/apstract/2011/3-4/5
[29.] Müller A. – Kerényi E. – Könyves E. (2011b): Effect of climate therapy and rehabilitation in
Mátra Medical Institute Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce. Apstract - applied stu-
dies in agribusiness and commerce, 5(3–4), 39–42.
[30.] Müller A. – Könyves E. – Szabó R. (2005): A wellnessturizmus sokszínű kínálatának bemuta-
tása. Iskolai testnevelés és sport - elméleti módszertani és információs szaklap, 27., 29–34.
[31.] Müller A. – Könyves E. – Várhelyi T. – Mondok A. (2008): Új utakon a testnevelőtanár képzés
Egerben: A sportszakos hallgatók utazási szokásainak és a sítáborozás kínálati elemeivel való
elégedettségének vizsgálata. Economica. 1. 85–95.
[32.] Müller A. – Könyves E. (2006): Az egészségturizmus lehetőségei az Észak-alföldi régióban.
Acta academiae paedagogicae agriensis nova series: sectio sport, XXXIII., 132–143.
[33.] Müller A. – Ráthonyi G. – Bíró M. – Ráthonyi-Ódor K. – Bács Z. – Ács P. – Hegyi G. –
Bácsné Bába É. (2018a): The effect of complex climate therapy on rehabilitation results of
elderly asthmatic and chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD) patients. European journal of
integrative medicine. 20., 106–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2018.04.007
[34.] Müller A. – Szabó R. (2009): Analysis of Agárd, Komárom and Papa's Thermal bath, Accor-
ding the Guest's satisfaction. Acta academiae paedagogicae agriensis nova series: sectio sport, XXXVI.,
89–101.
[35.] Nagy Á. – Fazekas A. (2016): Offline helyett online szabadidő? A fiatalok szabadidős tereinek
és médiahasználatának átalakulása. Médiakutató: médiaelméleti folyóirat, 17(2), 41–57.
[36.] Pfau C. – Müller A. – Bács Z. – Bácsné Bába É. (2018): Az egészséges táplálkozás szerepe és
jelentősége. Táplálkozásmarketing, 5(1), 49–63. https://doi.org/10.20494/tm/5/1/4
[37.] Ráthonyi G – Ráthonyi-Odor K. (2017): Innovatív mobiltechnológiai megoldások a turizmus-
ban. Acta carolus robertus, 7(2), 161–180.
127
Baba E. – Kozma T. – Pálinkás R. – Popovicsné Sz. Z.
Authors
Baba Erika
student
University of Debrecen, Sports and Recreation Management, BSc
ORCID: 0009-0008-4500-6824
[email protected]
Kozma Tímea
student
University of Debrecen, Sports and Recreation Management, BSc
ORCID: 0009-0000-6084-8271
[email protected]
Pálinkás Réka
PhD hallgató
University of Debrecen, Károly Ihrig Doctoral School of Management and Business
ORCID: 0000-0002-1468-9158
[email protected]
A műre a Creative Commons 4.0 standard licenc alábbi típusa vonatkozik: CC-BY-NC-ND-
4.0.
128