| Although it may not seem so, in reality, Leisure and | | | | being, reduction in stress hormones, improved attitudes |
| Recreation is the largest industry in the world. The | | | | and performances, and improved social skills. For |
| benefits of leisure and recreation as an important part | | | | childhood development, recreational areas assist in |
| of life are easy to see. As an industry, it offers a | | | | learning, can keep kids off the streets, and enhance |
| variety of related employment and creates billions of | | | | their confidence. Studies confirm that physical activity |
| dollars in revenue. Workers in parks and recreation, | | | | can aid the learning process in children. Sports activities |
| community agencies, sports agencies, youth | | | | enhance large motor skill development and social skills. |
| development organizations, non-profit organizations, | | | | Adult leaders offer positive role models to children. |
| rehab and hospital agencies, the travel and | | | | Group sports are well known for promoting social |
| entertainment industries all utilize and benefit from | | | | support, networking, and developing friendships. |
| parks and recreation facilities world-wide. Additional | | | | As if all the above is not enough to encourage support |
| benefits of leisure and recreation include environmental | | | | of leisure and recreational activities, consider the |
| improvements from expanding green spaces, health | | | | following additional benefits: |
| benefits, and personal satisfaction benefits. | | | | Stress management - the mild stress of leisure activity |
| There are many civic benefits of leisure and recreation | | | | can reduce overall negative stress by contributing to |
| activities. Sports and youth activities offer leadership | | | | relaxation. |
| development for adults and children. Strong | | | | Self esteem - especially in children and seniors, mild |
| communities are built as parks become a hub of | | | | exercise, group activities, and hobbies and crafts will |
| community life. Benefits extend to all ages, childhood, | | | | help create positive self images. |
| youth, young adults, families, and seniors. Both care for | | | | Positive lifestyle development - contributing to society, |
| environment and wellness through green spaces are | | | | social interaction, development of leaders, being part of |
| enhanced by beauty. This same beauty helps combat | | | | organized sports all encourage good lifetime activities. |
| stress through the opportunity for mild exercise and | | | | Personal satisfaction - any creative outlet will enhance |
| mediation upon natural beauty. Wilderness experiences | | | | personal satisfaction. Being part of the leadership |
| are available in some locations. | | | | offers self satisfaction, and those who work in the |
| For personal benefits, leisure activities may include: | | | | recreational areas can feel the pride in keeping these |
| Hobbies | | | | areas vital and available to others. |
| Exercise | | | | Quality of life - fresh air, sunshine, social interaction, |
| Sports | | | | health benefits and self esteem all will improve quality |
| Gardening | | | | of life. |
| Crafts | | | | Preventative health - regular exercise, physiological |
| Health | | | | benefits from mild exercise, and stress reduction all are |
| Coping | | | | made easier by having leisure and recreational |
| Family Bonding | | | | activities readily available. |
| Physical benefits include increased lung capacity from | | | | Since the future seems to be headed for a shorter |
| sports participation, plus reducing serum cholesterol and | | | | work week and more extra time, support of leisure |
| hypertension, increasing bone mass, strengthening the | | | | and recreational outlets and locations would be |
| spine, reducing disease, increase in feelings of well | | | | prudent, and benefit all involved. |