In today’s fast-paced world, we are so caught up in our daily routines that we rarely take a moment to just relax and unwind. With our schedules packed with work, family obligations, and other commitments, we often neglect to prioritize leisure time for ourselves. This, however, can have some serious consequences on our physical and mental wellbeing. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why you need to prioritize leisure time, and how doing so can lead to a happier and healthier life.
The Benefits of Leisure Time
Leisure time – time we spend doing the things we enjoy – is essential for a happy and healthy life. Here are some of the reasons why:
Reduced stress
Stress is a common problem among many of us, and it can have a detrimental effect on our health. Regular leisure time activities can help to lower stress levels, as they provide an opportunity to relax and unwind. Whether it’s reading a book, playing a game, or taking a walk in nature, activities that we find enjoyable can work wonders in reducing stress.
Better mental health
Leisure time activities have a positive impact on our mental health. Many activities, such as exercise, have been proven to boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing or playing music can have a therapeutic effect on our overall mental wellbeing.
Improved physical health
Physical health is just as important as mental health, and leisure time can benefit us in this aspect as well. Any activity that gets us moving – whether it’s going for a jog, playing sports or doing yoga – can improve our physical health by boosting our cardiovascular system, helping us maintain a healthy weight, and reducing our risk of chronic diseases.
How to Prioritize Leisure Time
Now that we’ve established why leisure time is important, the next question is – how do we prioritize it? Here are some useful tips to get you started:
Plan ahead
With so many demands on our time, it’s easy to neglect leisure time activities. One way to prevent this is to plan ahead. Set aside a specific time each day or week for leisure time activities, and stick to it. Treat it just like any other appointment on your schedule.
Unplug from technology
Technology has made it easier than ever before to work and communicate around the clock, making it difficult to fully unplug and enjoy leisure time. To prioritize leisure time, it’s important to disconnect from technology for a period of time each day. Whether it’s turning off notifications, setting a phone-free hour, or going on a technology-free weekend, disconnecting can help us fully engage with our leisure time activities.
Do something you enjoy
The key to making the most of leisure time is to engage in activities that you truly enjoy. This could be anything from cooking to gardening to reading. The important thing is to find something that brings you joy and makes you feel relaxed.
Involve others
Leisure time activities are often more enjoyable when we share them with others. Don’t be afraid to invite friends or family members to join you in your leisure time activities. Not only will it make the activity more enjoyable, but it will also help you strengthen your social connections.
The Bottom Line
Prioritizing leisure time is essential for a happy and healthy life. Whether it’s reducing stress, improving mental health or boosting physical health, the benefits of leisure time activities are clear. By planning ahead, unplugging from technology, doing something you enjoy and involving others, you can make leisure time a priority in your life. So, the next time you find yourself leaning towards work over leisure, take a step back and remember that leisure time is just as vital to your wellbeing as anything else in life.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4569856/
https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(19)30170-4/fulltext