The 5 Key Benefits of Leisure and How They are Feasible to Achieve in Modern Society - Essay Example

The 5 Key Benefits of Leisure and How They are Feasible to Achieve in Modern Society Name: University: Course title: Instructor: Date of Submission: Introduction Gibson and Singleton (2012, p.130) reiterate that previous researches show that free time is on the increase in both quality as well as importance. Leisure is considered more important than or rather as equally important as work. Leisure can be regarded as the condition in which an individual is free from both the requirements and demands of duty or work. As such, leisure time is more of a discretionary time, when an individual has the freedom of choosing or rather deciding on what to do. This is because leisure is characterized by unobligated time in which an individual is free from prior social, economic, and physiological commitments and needs (Yukic, 1970, p.5). There are 5 key benefits of leisure which include – spiritual and environmental, social, cultural and community, economic, psychological, as well as physical benefits. The purpose of this paper is to outline the 5 key benefits of leisure. This paper shall also how these benefits of leisure are feasible to achieve in modern society. The 5 Key Benefits of Leisure and how they are Feasible to Achieve in Modern Society Physical Health Benefits of Leisure There are various physical activities which make leisure time more enjoyable, interesting, as well as encourage life-long physical fitness behaviour/habits in individuals (McKay, 2012, p.4 and 5). According to Nimrod (2008, p. 65 and 66), broad physical health benefits of leisure include life satisfaction, improved quality of life, enhanced work-life-play balance, and achievement of full and meaningful life. More specifically, the health benefits of staying and remaining physically active are well documented. First, physical activity increases muscle strength, flexibility, weight control, and cardiovascular conditioning (Human Kinetics, 2012, p.10). Leisure related physical activity is beneficial in diminishing the risk of many diseases as well as chronic conditions. Some of these benefits include reduced risk of obesity; minimized risk of chronic conditions such as the heart disease/Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), diabetes, site-specific cancer – colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer; and osteoporosis. Second, physical activity boosts the human immune system. Various studies have indicated that physically fit or active individuals are less prone to a wide range of illnesses as compared to their physically inactive counterparts. The results of a study conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that physically active individuals incurred lower annual medical costs fewer stays at hospitals, and used less/few medication as compared to physically inactive individuals. Physical activity boosts immunity system against upper respiratory infections, and colds. In addition, physical activity increases positive moods in people which are associated with enhanced human immune system (State of California Resources Agency, 2005, p.15 and 16). Third, physical activity increases/enhances life expectancy of individuals. Research in the US indicate that regular involvement in leisure-related physical activity significantly reduces the risks associated with developing or even dying from some leading illnesses and causes of death. As such, leisure-related physical fitness, exercise and activities such as walking, bicycling, and backpacking among others reduce various causes of mortality and increases longevity. Studies have shown that for every one hour of physical activity, an individual increases his or her life expectancy by two hours (State of California Resources Agency, 2005, p.17). Psychological Health Benefits of Leisure According to State of California Resources Agency (2005, p.18), psychological health challenges have significant implications on public health systems. Leisure activities can minimize the severity of psychological health challenges such as mental health disorders by enabling individuals to better cope with the daily life challenges which contribute to psychological health disorders. Leisure activities have positive impacts on psychological health with reference to helping individuals feel better regarding themselves as well as their surroundings. Human Kinetics (2012, p.10) notes that leisure activities contribute to mental wellbeing through enhancing sense of self, sense of control, as well as developing problem solving skills and ability. State of California Resources Agency (2005, p.18 and 19) indicate that leisure related physical activities have enormous psychological health benefits with regard to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, self esteem, panic disorder, eating disorders, energy/vigour, as well as positive affect disorders in a number of ways. First, leisure related physical activity significantly reduces depression. Depression is a psychological health challenge which manifests itself in various forms such as: feelings of despair, hopelessness, loneliness, and worthlessness; unshakable and deep sadness; diminished interest in many activities; as well as suicidal thoughts. These manifestations of depression significantly vary in symptoms, persistence and severity. Participating in leisure activities reduces depression by creating an environment/atmosphere which draws individuals from their home, work and community life; providing enjoyable activities which minimize alienation, isolation and loneliness which all can contribute to depression (State of California Resources Agency, 2005, p.19). Second, leisure activities relieve stress. Despite the fact that the modern society is an extremely busy and demanding, achieving relief from stress is still feasible. The busy and demanding nature of modern society makes many people prone to stress at one point or another in their lives. Leisure activities which enhance relaxation, rest and revitalization significantly minimize stress, psychological tensions and related anxiety. The human body is built in such a way that it has in-built stress relievers which can be triggered through leisure and recreation activities. Endorphins which create a euphoric feeling and adrenalin built up from day-to-day stress which causes anxiety and stress are produced and released during vigorous and prolonged physical activity. Leisure-oriented group activities strengthen social ties, enhance work performance, promote social interaction and create a general feeling of wellbeing which all reduces stress (State of California Resources Agency, 2005, p.20 and 21). Third, leisure improves quality of life through enhanced self-esteem; personal and spiritual growth; and satisfaction from not only personal life, but also neighbourhood and community life (Jenkins and Pigram, 2003, p.32). Self-esteem and self-image enhances self-control, life skills, self-confidence, and self-worth which benefit psychological wellbeing of individuals. Economic Health Benefits of Leisure Leisure has become an essential part not only to individuals, but national economies too. The economic health benefits of leisure are the most visible and important amid under-recognition of the other benefits of leisure. On a broader perspective, economic health benefits of leisure include cost reduction, funds generation and catalyst for development activities. At personal level, individuals are able to make a living through restaurants and small stores located next to recreational parks by providing goods and services to those who visit such recreational parks for leisure purposes. Business entities increase their performance and productivity through implementing leisure and wellness programs (Human Kinetics, 2012, p.14). The elderly improve their health conditions for instance by reducing their cholesterol levels through regular daily walk in the park and not expensive medication (Jenkins and Pigram, 2003, p.32). With regard to cost reduction, leisure activities contribute to less mental and physical health challenges hence reduced costs to the healthcare system. Due to the importance of leisure there is reduced or rather minimal vandalism of leisure and recreational facilities and equipments hence reduced costs on the public sector providing such services. Leisure activities contribute to increased financial resources through enhanced land values; increased performance and productivity of employees; and neighbourhood and community revitalization. For instance in the US, the national bicycling industry generates approximately $ 133 billion to the national economy every year, supports 1.1 million employment opportunities and generates $ 17.7 billion in local, state and federal taxes. Additionally, treed parks in urban areas have significant environmental, economic, and social significance of measurable value. Finally, leisure activities are a catalyst for economic growth and development. Leisure activities provide favourable environment/climate for business activities as well as increased tourism, travel and hospitality activities (Human Kinetics, 2012, p.14). Social and Cultural Health Benefits of Leisure Human Kinetics (2012, p.11) indicate that the social and cultural benefits of leisure accrue from the fact that many enjoyment and success opportunities arise from interacting with others. Leisure activities are beneficial because they are enriching not only at individual levels, but also at group, community and society levels. The social and cultural benefits of leisure include the creation of social bonds, as well as sense of belonging (sense of community) (Jenkins and Pigram, 2003, p.32; Human Kinetics, 2012, p.11). This generates social support through establishment of socio-cultural identity, support for the youth, and the provision of lifeline for the elderly. Secondly, leisure promotes the creation of vitally and strongly involved groups and communities. This enhances sense of social and cultural community via promoting community pride, cohesiveness, involvement in important issues, and reduced alienation. Thirdly, leisure leads to social, cultural and ethnic goodwill and understanding. According to Jenkins and Pigram (2003, p.32), this is achieved and is feasible in modern day society through social and community awareness as well as appreciation. In this regard, leisure activities promotes understanding and tolerance; cooperation; as well as conflict resolution. Finally, according to State of California Resources Agency (2005, p.23 to 35) leisure activities positively impact on the society by reducing crime rates, encouraging volunteerism, promoting stewardship, uniting families, fostering socio-cultural harmony and diversity, encouraging support for individuals with disabilities, enhancing education and deterring adverse behaviour in the society. Spiritual and Environmental Health Benefits of Leisure Leisure activities enable individuals to establish self-expression and identity through exploration of inner spirit and sense of self, adoption of new behaviours or habits and identity. Achieving this is feasible in modern day society as there are various institutions and clubs which an individual can identify himself or herself with as a soccer player, hiker, or even swimmer among many others (State of California Resources Agency, 2005, p.21). The role of the environment on the quality of human life is significant (Human Kinetics, 2012, p.11). In addition to providing more pleasurable benefits, the environment sustains human life through the protection of ecosystem. Broadly, the environmental benefits of leisure include the provision of clean water and air, environmental protection, as well as the preservation of natural and historical sites. All these contribute to the wellbeing and health of humans via reduced stress and provision of venues for physical activity; education via enhanced knowledge on natural cycles, environmental ethic, and improved math and science skills; and economic implication via increased tourist activities, minimized costs of utilities, and as catalyst for relocation. Conclusion This paper has outlined the 5 key benefits of leisure as well as how these benefits of leisure are feasible to achieve in modern society. Researches indicate that leisure is closely related to physical activities. As such, individuals participate in leisure-related physical activities with the objective of obtaining a wide variety of benefits. This paper has comprehensively outlined physical; psychological; economic; social, cultural and community; as well as spiritual and environmental benefits of leisure. Most significantly it is essential to note that these benefits of leisure can act in tandem. On aggregate, leisure is one of the most cost-effective services that the decision makers and public service providers can offer to the public. Bibliography Gibson, H and Singleton, J 2012, Leisure and Ageing: Theory and Practice, Champaign, Human Kinetics. Human Kinetics 2012, Introduction to Leisure and Recreation, Champaign, Human Kinetics. Jenkins, J and Pigram, J 2003, Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation, London, Routledge. McKay, C 2012 "The Psychological Benefits of Participation in Leisure Pursuits for Adolescents." Honors Theses. Paper 25. Retrieved June 20, 2013 from: http://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=honors Nimrod, G 2007, “Retirees’ Leisure: Activities, Benefits, and their Contribution to Life Satisfaction.” Leisure Studies, 26(1), pp. 65-80, Retrieved June 20, 2013 from: http://eshkol.huji.ac.il/doc/GALIT%20NIMROD%20%28retirees%27%20leisure%29.pdf State of California Resources Agency 2005, The Health and Social benefits of Recreation: An element of the California Outdoor Recreation Planning Program, Retrieved June 20, 2013 from: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/795/files/health_benefits_081505.pdf Yukic, T 1970, Fundamentals of Recreation (2nd edn), New York, Harper & Row. Read More