Why Recreation and Leisure?

Hey Everyone! I hope you are having a good week and enjoying the changing of leaves and this beautiful fall weather! This week I want to discuss the purpose of recreation and leisure and why I think it is not only important, but vital to an individual's life.

Before coming to Appalachian State, I found that I was trying to constantly be interactive with sports and leisure activities, not only for fun, but to improve my personal well-being. Recreation can not only improve your body physically but mentally too. People who frequently take advantage of park activities have fewer doctor visits, lower body mass indexes and lower systolic blood pressures than those who don't. Through research and experience it is found that recreation can decrease stress and depression levels, self improved self-esteem, and you are more likely to feel more satisfied when you regularly recreate and participate in leisure activities.

Leisure is most commonly described as free time, therefore it is important that people take their leisure time and turn into something productive. Leisure activities can include things such as running, golfing, reading, or even lying on a hammock doing a crossword puzzle. Leisure is important because it allows individuals to accomplish a goal, stay active whether it is for your mind or body.

Recreation is similar to leisure, but it is more group oriented and goal focused. Recreation is should be something that doesn't involve work but for fun and enjoyment. Recreation activities can include things such as bird watching, backpacking, water-sports and tons of others.

Recreation and leisure is vital to everyday life and I believe everyone should invest time in something they love. As a soon to be professional I would love to help people find their passion!