What makes something recreation is

Refreshment of one's mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates; play. Camping and ecologic pursuits. Family activities. Art, crafts, and sewing. Food and dining. Festivals and fairs. An activity that provides such refreshment. The exact method or application of recreation varies greatly from individual to individual. Common areas include:. Collecting, antiques, and hobbies. Hiking, skiing and wakeboarding, for example, are enjoyable activities, and they also have many cardiovascular benefits.

Exercising regularly also keeps up your flexibility, muscle tone and strength. Even a low-impact activity such as bird-watching has some physical benefits: Taking a walk gets your body moving, and getting fresh air can improve your health in numerous ways.

In addition to the physical benefits, recreational activities can also do wonders for your mental health. Time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Outdoor activities can boost your mood as well. Getting outside and doing what you love grounds you and resets you for the day. Whether you're white-water rafting, skiing, fishing or jogging, these activities offer you time to unwind.

Sunshine, vitamin D and fresh air are actually recommended as part of a healthy routine. When it comes to urban planning, dense cities pay close attention to the number of trees they plant in new developments or highways for this reason. Some other mental benefits of recreational activities include:.

Another amazing benefit of recreational activities is the social interaction that often comes along with participating in them. Going on a hike with someone or taking a paddle in a canoe is a great way to connect. For families, recreational activities are a great way to spend time together. Tennis, badminton, paddle boarding and golf are all examples of recreational activities you can do with friends or family, as are the following:.

What may surprise you is just how many aspects of their lives are impacted by participating in recreational activities. Playing games in the yard can help with their motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and enjoying activities with others gives them opportunities to learn to navigate social situations. Jumping, tossing balls, swimming and running can all happen outdoors. The motions involved in throwing, pulling, lifting and running help to build strength and coordination in children.

Leisure as State of Mind Unlike the definitions of leisure as time or activity, the definition of leisure as state of mind is much more subjective in that it considers the individual's perception of an activity. Definition of Play Unlike leisure, play has a more singular definition. Definition of Recreation There is some consensus on the definition of recreation. Active Aging. Coaching and Officiating. Fitness and Health. Health Education.

Nutrition and Healthy Eating. Physical Education. Recreation and Leisure. Sport Management and Sport Business. Sports and Activities. Strength Training and Conditioning. Fitness for Life Online Store. Shape America Resources. Stretching, Flexibility, and Recovery.

Health Care in Exercise and Sport. Teacher Professional Development. Adopting a Textbook. Instructor Resources. Ancillary Materials Catalogs. Student Resources. Web Resources. Human Kinetics Coach Education. Continuing Education Center Certifying Organizations.