1. Leisure versus Recreation

2. 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

3. 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 relaxing or enjoyment”

4. Recreation Participation in an activity that you enjoy
An activity that will improve us or restore us in some way
Examples: playing sports, watching T.V., downloading music, or playing video games, cooking, and baking, gardening

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

6. Benefits of Recreation

7. 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

8. Social Benefits Provides opportunities to develop friendships
Improves social skills
Reduces feeling 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Factor Affecting Our Recreational Interests and Pursuits
Early Educational Experiences
Family Influences
Social (peer) Influences
Cultural Influences
Media and Other Influences

12. Barriers to Recreation and Leisure Pursuits
Economic Factors
Perceived Lack of Necessary Physical and Social Skills
Time Constraints
Work and Family Commitments
Other Constraints
Lack of Motivation - User Fees
Lack of Facilities - Time of occurrence
Age and gender - Lack of Participants
Location - Equipment