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What helps parents recover from the stresses of everyday life? According to new research by Theresa Pauly, one important factor may be something many parents struggle to find: personal time.

In a recent article published in The Conversation, Dr. Pauly shares findings from a study of 318 parents that examined how having time for oneself relates to daily well-being. Personal time was defined as time free from work, caregiving, and household responsibilities that could be spent on self-directed activities such as exercising, reading, relaxing, listening to music, or pursuing hobbies.

The research found that on days when parents reported having personal time, they experienced more positive emotions, fewer negative emotions, and healthier cortisol patterns—a biological indicator of stress recovery. These benefits were observed even after accounting for other daily stressors, such as conflicts, work challenges, or stressful events at home.

Importantly, the findings suggest that personal time is more than a luxury. Even small opportunities to step away from daily demands may help parents regulate emotions, recover from stress, and support their overall well-being. The benefits were especially pronounced for parents who were more emotionally sensitive to stress, highlighting the value of creating space for rest and recovery in everyday life.

Read the full article here: .