During hospitalization, the discomfort and distress caused by mental disorders as well as the patients’ lack of motivation and interest could amplify, resulting in a limited recovery from an episode of mental illness. According to research, socio-recreational activities in psychiatric hospital wards could improve the clinical outcomes for patients with mental disorders, but too little time is allocated towards implementing them. In this context, a program of socio-recreational activities for patients has been implemented. These activities include fitness, dancing, arts and crafts, painting, baking and group counseling. To investigate the effectiveness of this program, an exploratory study, with a mixed, quantitative and qualitative, design, was implemented. To evaluate the subjective experiences of the patients regarding the socio-recreational activities, they took part in this study, and the level of their intrinsic motivation as a result of participation in activities was assessed using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory Scale. The results showed positive feedback regarding all activities and a very high level of intrinsic motivation following the activities. Qualitative results: the thematic analysis reveals that the implementation of a socio-recreational activities program in the psychiatric wards favors the development of an active social environment that offers patients the opportunity for development, self-knowledge, relaxation, creation and the improvement of mental and physical health. Quantitative results: there is a significant positive correlation between patient’s perceived competence and their perceived activities’ value and usefulness and the level of effort they make, and a significant negative correlation between perceived pressure to participate and the patients’ interest in the activities, the effort they make, and the perceived value and usefulness of the activities. In conclusion, the results revealed, in all cases and for all activities, a positive feedback from patients and a very high level of intrinsic motivation.