Dalhousie study finds brief leisure moments like Wordle reduce stress

A Dalhousie University study found that brief everyday leisure moments, like doing Wordle or watching a sunrise, can reduce stress and bring joy. Published in July in Leisure Studies, the research involved interviews with Halifax residents in 2022 and 2023. Participants described feeling stress relief and returning with a more optimistic perspective after such activities. Lead author Karen Gallant said these moments matter and are accessible, while psychologist Rebecca Boehm noted that “micro-moments” of calm can reduce cognitive overload.