Recreation:

The Benefits are Endless

Part I of II

By Becky Roberg, Community Relations Specialist

Part I: Recreation and YOU!

The perception of recreation has undergone a drastic transformation in the past decade. Once viewed as a something fun to do in your spare time, the far-reaching benefits of recreation are only now being realized.

The most basic beneficiary of recreation is you – the participant. These highly individual benefits range from pure enjoyment to weight loss. However, people who participate in any sort of recreation get more than fun out of it. That fun translates to longer life expectancies, stress reduction, improved personal health and much more.

Studies show recreation is essential to personal health. It significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, combats diabetes, reduces depression and improves emotional and psychological well-being. As a result, people who participate in any form of recreation add at least 2 years onto their life expectancy.

What does this mean for you? It means you can shed a few pounds while learning cardio kickboxing, de-stress on the softball field and prevent heart disease while taking a dip in the pool. It also means you’ll look better and feel better about yourself too!

The benefits of recreation go beyond physical health. Recreation is also very emotionally satisfying. It will keep your body and mind sharp! It provides opportunities for people to interact socially, fulfilling the human need to feel connected. This prevents isolation, loneliness and alienation. The opportunity to develop relationships and find meaningful connections outside of the workplace is vital to life satisfaction. Remember: Work to live, not live to work!

The benefits of recreation extend beyond the boundaries of age, race, economic status and religion. Whether you’re one or one hundred, recreation is essential. It’s particularly important to make recreation a habit when you’re young. With childhood obesity jumping by nearly 200% in the past three decades instilling the habit of physical activity in children is imperative.

Children who participate in recreation experience personal successes and challenges, both essential to building high self esteem and the development of decision making, social and interpersonal skills.

Studies have shown just as many positive effects at the opposite end of the spectrum. Senior citizens who participate in recreation prolong their independence – physically and mentally, have higher rates of life satisfaction, reduce the risk of falling and prevent feelings of isolation.

Everyone benefits from recreation, most people don’t realize how much! Check back May 12 for the second part of this series “Recreation and US!” to learn how the benefits of recreation go beyond the individual. Even those who chose not to participate in recreation benefit significantly.