Britain's waterways - the answer to 'leisure burn-out'

Over half of us (52%) wake up on a Monday morning feeling unfulfilled and disappointed at how we've spent the weekend. Despite the increase in disposable income and the growing focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance, a new report revealsthat millions of Britons are suffering from leisure burn out - with six out of ten of us admitting we’re dissatisfied with our leisure time.

How should we counter this lack of contentment and balance? Leading psychologist, Dr Aric Sigman, thinks it could be as simple as spending less time on man-made activities - such as fun parks, shopping, or DIY - and more time closer to nature.

Dr Sigman explains: "The 'work hard, play hard' mentality has meant Brits feel real pressure to make the most of their leisure time by booking it up with social activities and hobbies. Yet only 30% feel relaxed, refreshed and looking forward to the week ahead after the weekend. We all know we have to get the work-life balance right - now it’s time to get the leisure balance right too."

The answer, according to Dr Sigman, lies at the waterside. In the Water For Life Report, published in June, he reports that 83% of the population feel most happy and relaxed when they're by water - yet 67% admit their weekends are currently filled with strenuous activities, such as home improvements and shopping.

Childhood memories

One particularly telling statistic is that almost seven out of ten people fondly remember childhood days out by the water. In contrast, few have happy memories of days out at theme parks - just 14%. And today, only 8% say they would feel happiest on a visit to such a hectic attraction.

Our need to be near water may be instinctive, according to Harvard evolutionary biologist, E.O. Wilson. "Whenever people are given a free choice," he says, "they move to open tree-studded land overlooking water."

Whereas shopping malls, computer games and other modern recreations give a quick 'buzz' - with high, but short-lived, levels of excitement - time spent by the water offers 'soft fascination'. It holds our attention, but leaves us ample opportunity to focus on other things. This explains why so many people include a water feature in their gardens to aid relaxation.

"With half the population living within five miles of a canal or river," writes Dr Sigman in the report, "we may be overlooking one of the best natural resources on our doorstep. As the success of natural mineral water in the past 10 years proves, the psychological and health benefits of simply being near water may have been overlooked.

"Water isn't just essential for us to function physically - it's vital for our mental well-being too."