Running head; why people participate in leisure activities

 

 

 

Why people participate in leisure activities

 

 

 

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Why people participate in leisure Activities

Introduction

Leisure is the time that people spend in the activities that are not compulsory. This is the time that people spend away from their daily duties or activities like the business, employment, household duties and education. Leisure time is also referred to as free time where people take a break and choose what to do with their time without being given pressure. Leisure activities are the activities that people engage in when they want to change from their daily routine. The activities are used to satisfy people and make them happy. Examples of leisure activities are like walking, being engaged in hobbies, travelling, gardening, sports, jogging, swimming, singing, dancing, playing, running, visiting recreational facilities and many others.

Different people participate in different leisure activities to satisfy different needs and for different reasons. Some of the reasons are;

To stimulate them

The categories of people that do leisure activities to stimulate them engage in activities that will bring pleasure, relaxation and happiness. Most people work for very long hours and for many days without taking a break.  There is always a need for a break after working for some time and being involved in many tiring activities. As result of long working hours, people get stressed and this may affect their work. For them to focus, they choose to get some time to relax and refresh their minds and body. By doing leisure activities, these people get relaxed and they get ready for new challenges that may occur. Some people may for example choose to walk because they find it easy and relaxing. A good leisure activity helps to reduce and manage stress and it brings relaxation and excitement.

For competence

Other people participate in leisure activities for competence. They participate in leisure activities for exercise and physical health. There are advantages that are derived from leisure activities being that the activities help in having good health to all groups of people and growing to the children and the youth. The people who do leisure activities for competence engage in activities that will help then to learn new things. This is the people who like getting challenges and showing achievements. They also like to compete with others which are mostly their peers or their age groups. These activities are mostly physical in nature which may include running, playing games, walking and such activities.  Sports, being one of the physical activities are leisure activity to many people but some do it because they want to be the best and excel. Many people have derived their careers from the physical activities that other people take to be leisure. This brings personal satisfaction to the individuals.

For social reasons

Most people engage in leisure activities for social reasons. They are the people who do it with the aim of socialising with other people and they look forward to meeting with new people. They are the people who get to go out with friends and with family. They also do leisure activities for them to do something new from work. They engage in activities that help the community and the society. Those activities contribute positively to the lifestyle development of the society. To be well satisfied, this people like being in groups and they esteem the well being of other people. Some people do leisure activities to keep them busy and remove boredom. Leisure time and activities help people to enhance and get good communication skills and be able to live with different kinds of people.

For Intellect purposes

Another group of people participate in the leisure activities for the purpose of learning new things. They can engage themselves in new activities which will help them in learning the new things they want to. They also improve their skills in the cause of leisure time. They are always involved in creativity activities and learning activities.

The importance of leisure depends on different age groups as Freysinger, (1987), states. The adults and the middle age people know the value of leisure and they place great value on leisure time than other people.

Most children participate in leisure activities as Gillian et at, (2010), suggest, because they enjoy doing it and interacting with other children. It is important for the growing children to participate in leisure activities because it contributes to their growth. They get an opportunity to learn new things and to do the things in a new way. It also helps them to develop their skills and develop their relationships and to learn how to socialize with people who are not family members. The parents encourage children to participate in leisure activities to keep them from idling and being in the streets. They gain self esteem when they interact with their friends and do different activities. The adults and parents who do such activities become the role models to the children.

The youth and the teenagers participate in leisure activities that are available to them because of the influence of their peers and other friends. Most activities of the youth done outside the school as stated by Denise et at, (2010), helps them to facilitate youth development that is positive.

People also participate in leisure activities for physical benefits. Son et al, (2009), puts it that the middle aged and the late aged people who participate in physical leisure activities are less likely to have chronic diseases and health problems because their bodies remain active. Leisure activities like sports may help in improving the health of the participants by preventing the diseases and reducing them. The activities also help in improving the attitudes and the performances of the people who do them.

Children and adults with disabilities need leisure time and leisure activities. The leisure activity helps such people to get the reassurance in their lives and also it helps them to experience control and power over their lives. It also helps them socially and helps to support their relationships. According to Glenda et al, (2010), the leisure activities help the disabled people to go forward despite their situations and focus. Leisure activities boost the confidence of the disabled.

Families can have time together as Robin et al, (2010), suggests, which helps to build and strengthen their bond. Family fun day are some of the activities that families do to together. This helps the parents in supporting the children and even in knowing each other well.

Women participate in leisure activities for them to be according to Llyod and little, (2010), satisfied and to have a well being compared to the ones who do not participate. They get self determination and they are confidence. They also help the other people in improving their wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

Leisure activities add value to life where people get to know new places and experience the different things that are offered in different places. It adds value to life because the people get fresh air, get to know new people, get healthy and also help people to get self esteem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Freysinger. V. J., (1987). The Meaning of Leisure in Middle

Adulthood.  Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. pp. 40-45. P5

 

Glenda. J. M.; Cornell. E; Bundy. A. C., (2010).The Treasure in Leisure Activities: Fostering Resilience in Young People Who Are Blind. Academic Journal. Vol. 104 Issue 7, p419-430;  12p

Gillian. K ; Law. M; Hurley. P; Petrenchik. T; Schwellnus. H., (2010). A Developmental Comparison of the Out-of-school Recreation and Leisure Activity Participation of Boys and Girls With and Without Physical Disabilities. Academic journal.  Vol. 57 Issue 1, p77-107;  31p

ROBIN. L. H.; HENDRICKS, C. BRET; BRADLEY, LORETTA J.; LAYTON, CAROL A., (2010) .Using Family Leisure Activities to Support Families Living With Autism Spectrum Disorders., Academic Journal.  Vol. 49 Issue 2, p163-180; , 18p

Lloyd, Kathy; Little, Donna. E., (2010), Self-Determination Theory as a Framework for Understanding Women’s Psychological Well-Being Outcomes from Leisure–Time Physical Activity. Academic Journal. Vol. 32 Issue 4, p369-385, 17p,

 

Son, Julie S.; Kerstetter, Deborah L.; Mowen, Andrew J., (2009). Illuminating Identity and Health in the Constraint Negotiation of Leisure-time Physical Activity in Mid to Late Life. Academic Journal. Vol. 27 Issue 3, p96-115, 20p,

Denise. W. M.; Gottfredson, Denise C.; Cross, Amanda B.; Rorie, Melissa; Connell, Nadine., (2010) Youth Development in After-School Leisure Activities. Academic journal. Vol. 30 Issue 5, p668-690; , 23p