Lithuanians lack personal time, struggle to disconnect even when available, experts warn

A significant portion of Lithuania's population struggles to find personal time, with 15% reporting none at all, according to a recent study. Even for those who do have free moments, the challenge lies in truly disconnecting. Professor A. Emeljanovas explains that the mind often remains occupied with unfinished tasks and future plans, preventing genuine rest and recovery.

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The problem isn't necessarily a lack of time. The problem is that even in moments when we could rest, we don't disconnect. The mind still spins with unfinished work, tomorrow's plans, and various other worries. It becomes difficult for the body to recover when it is constantly ready to react to a stimulus.

"The problem isn't necessarily a lack of time. The problem is that even in moments when we could rest, we don't disconnect," Emeljanovas stated. He noted that people instinctively reach for their phones during any free minute, filling silence with digital distractions rather than allowing their minds to unwind.

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Many of us can be physically alone today, but mentally we are still somewhere else. As soon as there is a free minute, we instinctively pick up the phone, read the news, check messages, or simply look for something to fill the silence. Therefore, even when left alone with ourselves, we often don't really rest.

The research also highlights a generational divide, with older residents more likely to report dedicating an hour or more to themselves daily. Younger individuals, often immersed in building careers, raising families, and managing finances, tend to push their own needs aside. Emeljanovas cautioned that consistently ignoring personal needs can lead to emotional exhaustion, irritability, sleep problems, and burnout.

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People need periods when they don't have to prove anything, solve anything, or rush anywhere. In such moments, concentration is restored, inner tension decreases, and over time, emotional well-being improves.

Jūratė Jackytė-Kiršė, head of clinical research at "Pulsetto," added that many people mistakenly equate rest with extended holidays or days off, overlooking the importance of brief, daily moments of recovery. She stressed the need to pause and recharge before the body signals distress, rather than waiting until it's too late.

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Younger people usually live the most intense phase of life – building careers, raising children, solving housing, financial, and other daily issues. Therefore, it is natural that they are more likely to push their needs to the background and first take care of what seems most important at the time.