Leisure & Recreation
What is Leisure and Recreation?
Leisure is the time we spend doing things that we enjoy. It includes a wide range of activities from arts and crafts, sports and games to simply relaxing with a book or watching the tv. It gives people the opportunity to spend quality time with friends or family or take some time out for themselves to maybe learn new skills or meet new people.
It is important to include leisure time in our daily routines. There is evidence to prove that spending time doing enjoyable hobbies and activities can be beneficial in many ways.
How can Leisure and Recreation improve our health?
Taking time out of our busy day to participate in a pleasurable activity can improve both our physical and mental health and can also help us stay happy, active and refreshed.
Physical Health
Taking part in sports or fitness activities can help our bodies to stay healthy. Exercise can even help prevent some illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis and can ease flexibility in our muscles and joints. Activities such as jogging, swimming, cycling, dancing or even just going for a walk can be helpful in keeping our bodies fit and maintaining a healthy weight.
For someone with a physical disability, some types of exercise might prove challenging. It is often possible to adapt an activity to meet the needs of the individual. For example, if a person has mobility problems and requires the use of a wheelchair, they could access a gym which provides modified equipment such as a hand bikes, rowers or wrist/hand weights. There are also online fitness instructors who deliver customised exercises for people to join in with at home. Many sports can be altered for different levels of functional ability.
Mental health
Keeping fit and active is vital for our psychological wellbeing. Some hobbies can provide mental stimulation which can enhance our memory and problem-solving skills. Activities such as bingo, puzzles, arts and crafts, playing or listening to music can heighten self-confidence, independence, concentration and creativity. Recreational pastimes provide an outlet for reducing stress and research shows that people who participate in meaningful pursuits are less likely to suffer from low mood and depression. Activities that enable you to get outdoors or mix with others can improve communication and relationship skills.
Leisure Activities for People with a Learning Disability
Having a learning disability should not prevent someone from leading an active and pleasurable life. A person with a learning disability can benefit from having their own hobbies and interests in the same way as anyone else.
It is often the case that a person with a learning disability may have difficulty with communication or expressing their emotions. Giving someone a creative outlet can help them to convey how they might be feeling. Attending an art, dance and music or drama group can provide an individual with the opportunity to interact with others, develop social and other transferable skills such as independence, autonomy and sense of worth.
Some activities may require modification or support to enable a person with a learning disability to participate as fully as possible and maintain motivation and interest.
Home-based pursuits such as baking, gardening or art can be comforting ~ even taking time to enjoy a soothing bubble bath or foot soak can provide a relaxing, tranquil end to a busy day.
TOP TIPS and ideas for leisure activities
- Sport: getting involved in sports is a great way to keep fit and make new friends
- Art, Music, Drama & Dance: getting creative can be a great way to express how you are feeling and make new friends
- Gardening: growing plants, fruits, vegetables or even a small herb box can provide a real sense of achievement
- Pampering: relax with some meditation music, a nice foot soak or a visit to the hairdresser to make you look and feel good
- Connect with friends and family: meeting up for an activity or arranging a video chat can cheer us up
- Cooking & Baking: try a new recipe or bake a tasty treat for tea
- Games & Crafts: stock up on activities to do indoors when the weather is bad
- Join a library: Libraries are great places to find out about what’s on in the local area
- Go for a walk: even if it’s raining, a walk can help up relax and feel good
Your Feedback – comments, concerns and complaints
NHS Lanarkshire is committed to improving the service it provides to patients and their families. We therefore want to hear from you about your experience. If you would like to tell us about this please visit our feedback page.
