CHAPTER 4: LEISURE, RECREATION, AND WELLNESS “Don’t drop out, drop in. Don’t cop out, compete. Don’t exit, excel.” Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Contents Leisure versus Recreation Historical Development of Recreation: A Brief Overview Benefits of Recreation Factors Affecting Our Recreational Interests and Pursuits Barriers to Recreation and Leisure Health and Wellness

Introduction After reading this chapter, you should have knowledge about the following: The definition of leisure, recreation, and wellness The evolution of recreation in society The benefits of and potential barriers to recreation opportunities How to become physically active

Leisure versus Recreation

Leisure Free time that can be spent as you see fit Activities making up your unstructured free time Many different possibilities Not necessarily planned use of time, but not necessarily wasted time Body’s chance to rejuvenate itself

Leisure is: “time when one is free to relax and do as one wishes.” “freedom from time-consuming duties, responsibilities, or activities.” “the time when you are not working or doing other duties.” “time spent in or free for relaxation or enjoyment.”

Recreation Participation in an activity that you enjoy An activity that will improve us or restore us in some way E.g., playing sports, watching TV, downloading music, or playing video games, cooking and baking, gardening

Recreation is “an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates.” “the refreshment of one’s mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates.” Recreation is “refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion; sport; pastime.” Recreation is “an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates.”

Historical Development of Recreation: A Brief Overview

Renaissance Period (1350–1600) Upper-class Painting, music, literature, science, and education Well-educated man could ride, fence, dance, and paint Great cultural movement in the arts and education

Reformation Period (1500s–1600s) Protestant work ethic introduced to colonial America Recreation and leisure were earned through daily hard work “Work before play” Ample time for recreation and leisure = lazy and a loafer

Industrial Revolution (1700–1900) Working-class No time or energy Few leisure opportunities Visiting the taverns or pubs Middle class Modeled upper class Playing the piano, singing, and drama Upper class Enjoyed many forms of recreation Bird watching, fishing, cricket, polo, and hunting

Roaring 20s People began to recognize the need to enjoy leisure time Hard work followed by deserved recreation and leisure Touring in the newly invented automobile The Charleston in illegal after-hours clubs Jazz Gambling

Depression Years (1929–1945) Recreation became less formal People came together Played their musical instruments Had picnics at the local beaches Went swimming Conducted square dances Made ice cream were the norm Big bands and swing music were popular Attending the movie theatres (with sound)

Modern Era (1950–Present) Fundamental changes in 1950s Present + Middle-class citizens had extra money for fun and leisure + Finish work each evening with leisure activities + Faster transportation = travel + Early retirement and enjoyment + Municipal multipurpose recreational facilities - Technological advancements took over for PA Present Although technology can provide hours of recreation, it does not necessarily promote a healthy and active lifestyle

Recent Developments Shift in recreation priorities from working long hours Family recreational activities are on the rise More family time Adapted programs and facilities Parents spend time on children’s recreation Adult sports leagues, golf, skiing, and fitness memberships Do we live to work or do we work to live?

Benefits of Recreation

Beyond the Physical Physical activity and recreation are embedded in a more holistic perspective on health

Personal Benefits Promotes physical fitness and active living Develops fine and gross motor skills Improves self-confidence Gives a more positive outlook on life Decreases stress Creates a more positive self-image Provides the opportunity to learn new skills Improves problem solving, tolerance of others, and leadership Promotes spiritual growth Gives opportunity to take calculated risks Allows to set short-term and long-term goals

Social Benefits Provides opportunities to develop friendships Improves social skills Reduces feelings of alienation Introduces new learning environments Promotes sharing, nurturing, and understanding of others Builds strong family ties Promotes ethnic and cultural harmony Improves group development

Economic Benefits Lowers medical costs Lowers job absenteeism Increases job stability and productivity Spurs economic growth Builds a sense of community Decreases crime and vandalism Boosts tourism

Environmental Benefits Protects and preserves environmentally sensitive areas Results in cleaner, well-maintained facilities Preserves cultural and historical sites Increases awareness in environmental issues Improves community image

Factors Affecting Our Recreational Interests and Pursuits

Early Educational Experiences We are introduced to recreation early in our lives We learn that we can make choices when it comes to our participation We begin to feel the benefits of recreation

Family Influences Traditional family attitudes and actions send strong messages Parents that value physical activity introduce their children to sports From early introductions, we can modify our activities as we grow We can move on to a more challenging level

Social (Peer) Influences As we continue to grow our recreational pursuits become increasingly influenced by our peers Important to choose our friends wisely Social interaction is one of the most compelling reasons for PA

Cultural Influences Views about recreation are understood differently across cultures Different cultures can encourage or forbid certain forms of recreation (e.g., dancing) North America Much more sedentary culture Children participate in the sports that their families can afford Skiing and golf are expensive activities Soccer and basketball are affordable

Media and Other Influences Commercialization of sport and PA Distorted interpretations of what it means to be healthy (e.g., body image) Drug abuse, eating disorders, and a host of other mental and physical problems It should be more about finding out who you are Some advertisers and certain forms of media are slowly realizing this

Barriers to Recreation and Leisure Pursuits

Economic Factors High program registration fees, equipment costs, and transportation issues However, recreation doesn’t need to be expensive Walking Skating Swimming Public hiking trails Tennis or basketball at the community courts

Perceived Lack of Necessary Physical and Social Skills If I can’t do something well, then I shouldn’t do it at all – NOT TRUE Just because you don’t think you are a “natural” at a particular activity doesn’t mean you can’t do it “Try, try again” It’s fun to try new things!

Time Constraints Issue for families with working parents Time conflicts Too much like work and not enough like fun A popular excuse that the activity will take too long to commit to You can always make time for things that are important

Work and Family Commitments It is possible to accommodate both job and family An active workforce is a productive workforce Family activities Bike riding Bowling Playing Frisbee

Other Constraints Lack of motivation, poor self-image Age and gender Lack of facilities Lack of participants Lack of available resources Physical or mental challenges User fees Time of occurrence Equipment and supplies Quality of facility maintenance Overcrowding Location

Health and Wellness

Definitions Health “The capacity to lead a satisfying life, fulfill ambitions, and accommodate to change” Ever-changing process of trying to achieve one’s individual potential Wellness The combination of health and happiness Achieving balance in one’s mental, physical, emotional, social, environmental, and spiritual life

Wellness Is: “an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.” “the personal experience of physical and mental health – measurement is self-reported health status.” “the concept of practicing all the things which keep one well. It involves maintaining good nutrition, exercise, stress-control and good personal and familial social relationships.” “a dynamic state of health in which an individual progresses towards a higher level of functioning, achieving an optimum balance between internal and external environments.”

Dimensions

Get Moving for Better Health Only 37 percent of Canadians are physically active! Inactive individuals leave themselves at risk for future health problems, including the following: Did you know that you should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day? You should try to mix cardio, endurance, flexibility, and strength exercises. Obesity Heart disease High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Stroke Depression Premature death

How Can I Become More Active? Take calculated risks and set reasonable goals for yourself Find a friend to participate with you Start out doing just a little each day Build on your successes Choose 10-min activities daily Incorporate: Taking stairs instead of an elevator or escalator Get off the bus a few blocks before your destination Walk to a friend’s house instead of driving