In a culture of constant productivity, leisure time is not a luxury, but one of the ways we preserve ourselves and protect our mental health, according to the participants of the “A Cup of Coffee with a Psychologist” panel discussion, held at Dorćol Platz.

Ivana Stepanović Ilić, psychologist, Branko Rosić, journalist and writer, and Srđan Golubović, film director, discussed why leisure time is an ally of mental health. The discussion was moderated by Dragan Ilić, psychologist and journalist.

Ivana Stepanović Ilić pointed out that a growing body of scientific research shows that art, music, books, films and sport play an important role in preserving psychological well-being. What we often see as entertainment, and sometimes even as a waste of precious time, can in fact be an important everyday ritual that contributes to a better mood, reduced stress and a stronger sense of connection with others.

Ivana Ilić Stepanović, psychologist

She also highlighted the distinction between structured and unstructured leisure time, emphasizing that leisure and boredom can contribute to the development of creative ideas. Speaking about young people, she warned that today they are often overloaded with phones and communication in various Viber and Telegram groups, which makes it especially important how, and with whom, they spend their free time.

For film director Srđan Golubović, leisure time is a space for rest, but also for creative idleness. He said that the moments in which he “does nothing” are often crucial for the emergence of ideas.

Srdan Golubović, film director

Speaking about the students of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, where he teaches, Golubović said he encourages them to leave room for “wasting time.” He also recalled Miloš Forman’s observation that the most important moments in his creative process were precisely those in which he did nothing, adding that the best ideas often emerge in moments of boredom and idleness.

Branko Rosić said that, for him, leisure time is an opportunity to do what makes him happy. Reflecting on the pandemic, he noted that many people tried to turn the surplus of free time into a new form of productivity - learning languages, playing the guitar or reading books.

Branko Rosić, journalist and writer

Rosić, however, said he opposes the imperative that even leisure time must be useful. Leisure time is, as he put it, exactly that leisure time and should be spent doing what makes us happy. As examples, he mentioned travelling through villages in Vojvodina, as well as attending an Oasis concert at Wembley.

The participants concluded that caring for mental health does not have to begin with major changes. Sometimes it is enough to set aside time for a few pages of a book, a favourite playlist, a good film, an exhibition or a match. Such small rituals are not only a pleasant way to spend free time; they can also help us better understand ourselves, regulate our emotions and find a sense of meaning and connection with others.