Benefits of Leisure - Literature review Example

The five benefits of leisure (Insert Name of the Student) (Insert Name of the Instructor) (Insert Name of the Course) (Insert Code of the Course) (Insert Submission Date) Leisure is a function of the individual, the society, and the environment (Ho, 2008, p. 14). It is experienced during an individual’s free time and therefore has a wide variety of benefits per person. It is a personal quest for excitement fulfilment. Leisure activities comprise a number of interrelated degrees of excitement, relaxation, personal development, and growth, nature-tension balancing, and economic activities. According to Jenkins & Pigram (2003, p. 31) leisure enables change from a less desirable state to a more desirable one such as physical fitness, maintenance of a desired condition or prevention of an unwanted one such as lifestyle diseases, and the realisation of a desired experiential condition such as a picnic with the family. Leisure can be either planned such as participation in a sports team or unplanned such as watching movies and going out for picnics. Physical activity however need not be strenuous to achieve the benefits. According to the US government, an adult requires approximately 150 minutes of physical activity that may range from moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking to muscle strengthening activities such as weight lifting (Kinetics, 2010, p. 13). Bright 2000 social welfare philosophy in Lei (2008, p. 35) asserts that the benefits derived from leisure can be categorised into five key categories: psychological, physiological, sociological, economical, and environmental. This paper will explore the five benefits of leisure as physiological benefits, psychological benefits, social and cultural benefits, economic benefits and environmental benefits. It will also describe reasons as to whether the benefits are feasible to achieve in modern society. An individual can engage in physical activities during their leisure time, be it brisk walking, jogging, or more strenuous activities such as boxing, weight lifting and so on. Studies show that physical exercise reduces the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases such as body fat composition, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Physical exercise does so by reducing triglycerides and serum cholesterol and increasing high-density lipids in the blood vessels (Li, Culver, & Ren, 2003, p. 127). The intensity of the physical exercise is directly proportional to the amount of carbohydrate used up by the body. The higher the intensity the greater the rate of carbohydrate use in energy production. The carbohydrate stores in the body predispose people to obesity and their use up during exercise greatly reduces this risk. Exercise is also attributable in the prevention of certain type of cancers such as colon, prostrate and breast cancer. In addition to prevention of diseases, it is also useful in treatment of the same diseases. In patients with coronary artery disease, physical exercise improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation that is essential in reducing the effects of the disease (Pérez, 2008, p.518). Exercise also strengthens the muscles, increases bone mass, increases lung capacity and general physical wellness (Ho, 2008, p. 32). The level of physical exercise reduces progressively as people age and consequently the functional capacity and tolerance for the exercises declines. In modern society, this has been made worse by the busy and sedentary lifestyle that majority are living. The increasing preference for computer games than physical exercise is a hindrance to the attainment of physiological health. However, this benefit is feasible to achieve in modern times because there is development of sophisticated gym equipment that reduce the need for outdoor training. For example, the treadmill imitates jogging or running and it provides the same physiological effects. For those who cannot afford such equipment, walking during leisure time can also help maintain physical fitness. Too much time investment in an individual’s work leads to elevated levels of anxiety and stress. This is because of too much adrenaline pumped into the body system that consequently results in chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue is characterised by feelings of self-pity and helplessness that eventually lead to depression. Participation in leisure activities especially physical exercise helps alleviate such adverse effects. Individuals engaging in physical leisure activities experience low levels of anxiety, stress, and are less predisposed to depression (Haworth & Iso-Ahola, 1997, p.133). Coleman 1993 in (Haworth & Iso-Ahola, 1997, p.134) posits that an active leisure lifestyle leads to heightened levels of self-determination as they involve mental, physical, and social skills. Self-determined individuals tend to have better problem-solving skills as they view problems as challenges not threats therefore enhancing their stress-coping capabilities. Social leisure on the other hand enhances personal development and growth. The interaction with others especially those from a different field of work enable one to learn new things and the curiosity makes the mind alert to learn too. Interaction with others during leisure makes one to laugh and loosen up thereby improving moods and creating positive emotions. This means that an individual is able to concentrate better when he or she returns to work. Leisure time spent alone may also lead to self-actualisation. It is during quite periods that one is able to reflect on their inner self, critique their strength and weaknesses and acquire a deeper sense of awareness of self (Ho, 2008, p.33). It is feasible to achieve psychological health in modern times. Compared to the past, people have become more interested in their well-being. There are many books, audio contents such as podcasts, visual contents such as online videos dedicated to improving psychological well-being. They are also portable and can be easily accessed during leisure time even when it involves travelling. The internet has also liberated access to information and therefore one can enhance their personal development by reading online for leisure. To gain the overall benefits of leisure, several elements are involved such as spaces, facilities, services, programs and equipments. These elements make up the leisure industry. According to Kinetics (2010, p. 15) the leisure industry started in the 20th century due to an increased demand for planned leisure activities. Entrepreneurs capitalised on this demand and public and private enterprises sprung up creating a positive impact. These industries provide experiences through tourism opportunities, outdoor activities, and recreation arts although with differing objectives for both industry players. Public leisure enterprises are those funded by the government for the benefit of all citizens usually at a minimal fee. Governments mostly focus on outdoor leisure activities encouraging citizens to visit game and amusement parks. The government therefore gains some revenue from entry fees charged at such venues and use it for further development. Private organisations on the other hand aim to satisfy demand for leisure and will often create their own demand, as the economy becomes more market oriented. Bullaro and Edginton in Kinetics (2010, p.17) identify five service domains in the private sector: Travel and tourism facilities such as travel agencies, hospitality services such as convention centres, resorts, and hotels, retail outlets such as dance clubs, fitness centres, and shopping malls. Outdoor services such as ski resorts and camping sites, entertainment services such as circuses, water parks, and bowling alleys. All these services are geared towards profit making and are therefore an economic incentive to the entrepreneurs as well as the government through taxation. It is therefore feasible for the achievement of economic benefits in modern society owing to the ever-expanding demand for planned leisure activities. Entrepreneurs always seek to outdo each other in business thereby creating more and better facilities in line with advancing technology and the economy thrives as a result. According to Frank in (Jewell 1997, p. 6), the leisure industry may bring more economic prosperity than industrial plants. Leisure also provides social benefits. Most governments in particular have an implied obligation to provide public social amenities for the overall good of society. Blackshaw (2013 P.7) asserts that the government’s support on sporting activities increases the society’s welfare by enhancing social capital. Ethical standards in communities improve through emulation of sporting heroes. Because sport personalities are famous, the government to promote ethics such as responsible consumption of alcohol can use them. Participation in active leisure activities also reduces crime rates especially among the youth in that they have less time on their hands to plot crime or use drugs that predispose them to crime. Putnam 2000 in Blackshaw (2013, p.8) posits that when the sporting activities involve diverse cultural groups, the interaction reduces discrimination. Therefore, the overall benefits result in a healthier, happier, and safer neighbourhood. Leisure may not necessarily be planned it may include spending a weekend off with one’s family, washing the family car, yard work or going to the movies with friends (Perez, 2008, p. 517). Such activities reinforce friendship and family ties. People get to learn about each other, make new friends, and develop their social interrelation skills. Busy work schedules prevent many parents from bonding with their children and spending leisure with the family creates this essential bond (Chiu, 2008, p.38). According to a study by Gold (1999) aging people who spend more time with their friends, went out to movies, ate out, live two and a half more years than those who live alone. She also found out that people who seldom interact with friends and family are more likely to succumb to simple infections such as cold and even more life-threatening diseases. Closely associated with the social benefits are the cultural benefits. Communities participate in cultural festivals that help preserve their culture as it passes from one generation to the next. Other communities participating in the festivals also get to learn and appreciate other cultures. This promotes cultural tourism. It also enhances the integration of society (Carpenter & Blandy, 2008, p. 223). The social benefits are difficult to achieve in modern society because people have become more work oriented. Individuals perceive leisure as a waste of time. In addition, work schedules have changed from the traditional 8-5 jobs as economies become 24 hour operational. The varying schedules cannot allow useful interaction between friends diminishing leisure social benefits significantly (Kinetics, 2010, p. 20). Leisure also enhances environmental benefits. As people utilise their leisure time to visit parks, mountain climbing, water sports and such, they are interacting with the environment. They become aware of the need to preserve such environments. Some sports such as golf require vegetation cover. Golf is one of the sporting activities recognised as leisure for most people and as the interaction between the sport and the environment increases, a healthy human-environment relationship develops (Chiu, 2008, p. 39). The association of leisure with the outdoors has also prompted most governments to develop leisure parks. These parks usually have trees, flower gardens, mowed grass lawns often integrated with water sources such as rivers and ponds. The Tien-Wei highway garden for example has an area of 30.27% covered in indigenous flowers, the biggest plantation in Taiwan (Chin-Huang et al, 2011, p. 60). This land not only improves the environmental aesthetics but also attracts tourists the world over. Leisure tourism however, is receiving a lot of criticism on the negative impacts it is having on the environment. Water skiing in the UK for example has increased significantly since the 1970’s. In recent times, it has drawn fierce debate due to the high levels of noise involved, uncontrolled fuel emissions, and increased swash on the shorelines (Nagle, 1999, p.99). The ill disposal of wastes when people go out for picnics has also been criticised. However the environmental benefits can be enhanced by educating the public on efficient waste management procedures and the benefits of maintaining or improving the environment. This is achievable, as it does not require expensive input. Putting up waste bins at leisure sites for example can encourage proper waste disposal. In conclusion, leisure has enhances the overall well-being of an individual and the society. Improved physiological and psychological well-being enables one to cope with stress better, increases muscle stress, bone strength and reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Improved moods create feelings of overall satisfaction with life. It also enhances personal growth and development as people interact with each other in a more relaxed setting. Acculturation enables appreciation of divergent cultures and reduces discrimination. Leisure related enterprises help propel economic growth and lastly, the environment is maintained or improved due to increased awareness as people participate in outdoor activities. References Blackshaw, T 2013, Routledge Handbook of Leisure Studies, Routledge, New York. Carpenter, G & Blandy, DE 2008, Arts and cultural programming: A leisure perspective, Human Kinetics Inc, Windsor. Chin-Huang, H, Yen-Hsiang, H, Wen-Long, ML, & Po-Hsun, JH 2011, Estimating recreational benefits and environmental effects for the amenities of flowers industry, Advances in Management, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 60-65. Chiu, W 2008, A Study of Motivation, Satisfaction, and Constraints of Collegiate Chinese Martial Arts Athletes Engaged in Leisure Activities in Taiwan, ProQuest LLC, Eisenhower. Gold, E 1999, Benefits of social interactions, viewed 14 June 2013, . Ho, T 2008, A study of leisure attitudes and benefits for senior high school students at Ping- Tung City and County in Taiwan, ProQuest LLC, Eisenhower. Haworth,JT, Iso-Ahola, SE 1997, Work, Leisure and Well-Being, Routledge, London. Jewell, DL 1997, Reflections on leisure, play, and recreation, SIU Press, Illinois. Kinetics, H 2010, Dimensions of leisure for life: Individuals and society, Human Kinetics Inc, Windsor. Lei, W 2008, The Relationships Among Life Stress, Attitude Toward MDMA (ecstasy) Intake, and Leisure Participation of Students at Institutes of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan, ProQuest LLC, Eisenhower. Li, S, Culver, B, Ren, J 2003, ‘Benefit and risk of exercise on myocardial function in diabetes’, Pharmacological Research, vol. 48, pp. 127–132. Nagle, G, 1999, Tourism, leisure and recreation, Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham. Pérez, AB 2008, ‘Exercise as the cornerstone of cardiovascular prevention’, Revista Española de Cardiología (English Edition), vol. 61, no. 5, pp. 514-528. Jenkins, J & Pigram, J 2003, Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation, Routledge, New York. Read More