Psychotherapist Dainius Jakučionis cautions Lithuanian hobbyists about social media pressure

Lithuanian psychotherapist Dainius Jakučionis says social networks have altered the way people relate to their hobbies, turning leisure into a competition for likes. A study by the National Well‑being Index (NSI) shows 16 % of Lithuanians view hobbies or quality free time as self‑care, but only 2 % actually use them to manage stress. Jakučionis advises slowing down, choosing activities for personal pleasure rather than online approval, and monitoring physical signals such as sleep quality, fatigue, headaches or muscle tension. Pharmacy chain “Eurovaistinės” pharmacist Vygintas Milašius adds that neglecting recovery can harm both mental and physical health, recommending regular blood‑pressure checks and consultation with a doctor if symptoms worsen. An online NSI self‑assessment has already been completed over 100 000 times, helping citizens compare their wellbeing to national averages and identify steps to improve it.