During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people under lockdown feel lonely and bored. "There is a loneliness epidemic," said John Dattilo from Pennsylvania State University, US.
So he, together with an international team of researchers, studied how to reduce loneliness and increase positive feelings during the pandemic.
According to their new study, reducing loneliness has something to do with doing enjoyable activities that require both concentration (注意力) and skill.
When people are absorbed in what they are doing, they enter a state called "flow", Dattilo explained. "Flow can be achieved by doing activities that we value and that requires us to concentrate fully to use our skills."
To achieve a state of flow, there must be a balance between the challenge of the task and your skill level. For example, if you're trying to create a complex (复杂的) computer program but your skill level is low, then you're likely to feel stressed instead of achieving "flow". On the contrary (相反地), if the task is too easy, then boredom will set in and "flow" will not appear, either.
If you have artistic skills, for example, playing the piano or painting can lead to flow. So can things like skiing, writing and storytelling, depending on who you are.
"When we enter a state of flow, we become focused, and we experience momentary enjoyment," Dattilo said. "When we leave a state of flow, we are often surprised by how much time has passed." However, watching television usually doesn't help people enter flow, according to Dattilo, because there aren't any challenges.
"People tend to thrive (茁壮成长) on healthy activities and challenge," said Dattilo. "We hope this research will help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives."
