Ample Recreation Can Benefit Overall Health

In our ever-busy lives, it’s important to remember that leisure and recreation are equally as important to our health as is eating your vegetables. Recreation is not only good for our bodies but is good for our minds, too. To learn more about how we benefit from ample recreation, read on.

Physical Benefits

If you dread going to the gym most days, find a fun recreational activity that you can do instead. You get just as much (if not more) benefit out of a recreational activity that you enjoy as you do slogging away on the elliptical machine for an hour. Walking, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, playing tennis, etc. are all excellent workouts and will provide a plethora of physical health benefits such as lower body fat percentage and lower cholesterol levels. Individuals who participate in recreational activities are also sick less often, miss fewer days of work, and visit the doctor less frequently.

Mental Benefits

Your physical activity is intricately linked to your mental health, and research shows time and time again that those who participate in recreational activities have an overall better outlook on life. Not only does it reduce stress levels in your body, but taking part in a recreational activity can also boost the feel-good hormones in your body. Other mental health benefits include improved self-esteem, reduced risk of depression, and fewer feelings of anxiousness.

Improved Sense of Community

Getting involved in an activity will help you meet more people, and also feel a stronger connection to the community in which you work and/or live. It is also a great way to learn about different people in your community that you may not have otherwise come in contact with. This can come in handy when you’re looking for new job connections, or even when you’re just looking for someone to go see a movie with.

Overall Quality of Life

It makes sense that if recreation offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits that it would also improve your overall quality of life. Studies have shown that individuals who prioritize recreation are more likely to feel satisfied with their lives (according to American Recreation Coalition Study, 2000). Studies also suggest that physical activity improves self-confidence and self-awareness.

Benefits for Children

Adults aren’t by any means the only ones who benefit from recreation. In addition to all of the benefits already mentioned, being involved in a recreational activity can also set up kids with solid foundations for life. Not only will they meet many people who could be lifelong friends, but they will also learn valuable lessons about structure, self-discipline, and working with a team. Not to mention, the more time a child spends recreationally the less time he or she will be in front of a screen!

The reasons to get involved in a recreational activity are many. As if getting healthier and enjoying life more aren’t reason enough, recreational activities are just fun. There are plenty of options out there, so whether you’re into rollerblading or yoga, there’s something for everyone. Get moving today!