The relationship between female leisure participation and psychological well being - Research Paper Example

126) Leisure activities can be divided into two main categories: solo and group activities. Both categories serve unique purposes and each has its characteristic benefits. Solo activities are based on an individual’s personal interests; it can also be defined as a hobby like: gardening, reading, writing, watching television/cinema, going for a walk or skating or swimming - such individual-based leisure activities help women de-stress and unwind from their day to day activities. Women have to go through a lot of biological and social changes throughout their lives.

As they enter puberty, life suddenly starts moving in all directions. As they struggle through their education, careers, relationships, parenting, and family life - they find it highly difficult to find out time for leisure activities. As a result, they start developing various physical or psychological disorders, which are manifested in their performance at work or at home. Psychological well being is important because it helps a person to balance work and relationships properly. An overburdened female with tremendous responsibilities is not able to feel contentment or being rewarded for whatever she does for herself or for her family.

She cannot derive pleasure or satisfaction from the work she does at home or office. It is for this reason that participation in leisure activities should be encouraged to boost the psychological well being of women. Solo leisure activities are a great way to relax and to get entertained. It satisfies the inner yearning of doing something for self. As one chooses leisure activities according to one’s free will, therefore, a person feels a sense of freedom while participating in leisure activities.

There are no deadlines to fear about; nor does one have to worry about following rules and regulations. Spa, travelling, hiking, and joining leisure clubs are great ways to improve psychological well being. Likewise, joining gym, music and dance classes, or yoga can boost their self confidence as their body image improves. Low levels of self confidence hinder personal development in a lot of ways. However, leisure activities carried out in groups have far greater effects on the psychological well being of a woman because she can derive pleasure by socializing with people belonging to a cross-section of society.

It could mean meeting with new and interesting people and sharing innovative ideas. It could be for a social cause; thus magnifying the benefits of such activities. It has been found out that social networking or socializing has positive effects on the psyche and mind of a person. As women get older, they find themselves lonely or isolated for various reasons: being single, or widowed, or retired, or living independently. Isolation from the society is detrimental to the physical and emotional health of a person; therefore, it is beneficial for such women to participate in leisure activities- particularly, group activities, so that they can give something back to society or Mother Nature.

Working for a social cause is highly rewarding because it gives a