CRE3: Leisure in a Changing Society;present situation

Definition of Leisure

Leisure is the time when you are not working and you can relax and do things that you enjoy. Or free, unoccupied time during which a person may indulge in rest, recreation, etc.

Leisure time or free time, is a period of time spent out of work and essential domestic activity. It is also the period of discretionary time before or after compulsory daily activities such as eating and sleeping, going to work or running a business, attending school and doing homework, household chores, and day-to-day stress. The distinction between leisure and compulsory activities is loosely applied, i.e. people sometimes do work-oriented tasks for pleasure as well as for long-term utility

Types of leisure

• Active leisure activities involve the exertion of physical or mental energy. Low-impact physical activities include walking and yoga, which expend little energy and have little contact or competition. High-impact activities such as kick-boxing and soccer consume much energy and are competitive. Some active leisure activities involve almost no physical activity, but do require a substantial mental effort, such as playing chess or painting a picture. Active leisure and recreation overlap significantly.

• Passive leisure activities are those in which a person does not exert any significant physical or mental energy, such as going to the cinema, watching television, or gambling on slot machines. Some leisure experts discourage these types of leisure activity, on the grounds that they do not provide the benefits offered by active leisure activities. For example, acting in a community drama (an active leisure activity) could build a person’s skills or self-confidence. Nevertheless, passive leisure activities are a good way of relaxing for many people.

Active leisure is divided into three categories of activity:
• Social leisure, where the primary focus is socializing with family and friends;
• Cognitive leisure, where the focus is on hobbies, games, and other mentally stimulating activities; and
• Physical leisure, which encompasses sports and exercise.
These activities often occur outside the home and typically involve contact with other.

Principles governing good leisure

1. Leisure experiences can vary from person to person.
2. Participating in leisure experiences is inherently good and is valued by society.
3. Leisure experiences provide youth with many meaningful benefits.
4. People must have freedom from those things that prevent them from enjoying leisure in order to have freedom to make choices leading to personally meaningful leisure experiences.
5. Obstacles to leisure participation can be overcome.
6. Leisure options and opportunities are abundant and can be found in home, school, work, and many other community places.
7. Both youth with and without disabilities benefit when they share leisure experiences.
8. Everyone, regardless of ability, receives support to participate in leisure activities.
9. Inclusion happens when youth, both with and without disabilities are included, on an equal basis, in the same leisure environments.
10. Families play a critical role in the leisure education of their child.

Importance of leisure